Early Rising Shoppers Expected in Downtown Benicia Saturday

is once again sponsoring “” the yearly shopping event in downtown Benicia where the public is invited to jump out of bed and get a head start on holiday shopping. 

The event takes place from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 19, and shoppers are invited to shop in their pajamas

Benicia's First Street retail stores and restaurants will offer special deals and treats like coffee, hot chocolate and Mimosas to participating shoppers.  Participants are urged to wear their pajamas, robes and slippers.  Many of the store owners will be doing the same.

“It’s a fun and festive way to kick off the season and many downtown communities are doing it across the nation,” said Deborah Meyer of Benicia Main Street

Earlier Than The Bird takes place the weekend before Thanksgiving; hence, the phrase refers to the turkey bird.  But it is also a chance for downtown businesses and local shoppers to get a head start on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving and  traditionally thebusiest shopping day of the year.

It’s referred to as Black Friday because the sales volume that day helps retailers bottom line.  Malls are usually packed with shoppers on Balck Friday so local retailers and Benicia Main Street are hoping this event will help keep more holiday shopping dollars here in Benicia.

In the spirit of giving, the event will also feature a benefit for SafeQuest, a nonprofit organization established to provide safe houses and end domestic and sexual violence against women and children.  Shoppers that wish to donate towards the cause are asked to bring a new pair of pajamas for women or children and drop off at a participating downtown business or at the SafeQuest information booth located at 370 First Street. 

SafeQuest operates the only two safe houses for women and children in Solano County who are victims of domestic violence. SafeQuest has provided life saving services to rape and domestic abuse victims for over 30 years. All victim services are free of charge, confidential, and offered in English and Spanish.

Benicia Main Street sponsors many community events and retail promotions which bring thousands of visitors to Benicia's downtown.