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On Friday, Spring Sip & Shop, a bi-annual event, returns for its twelfth year.

Lily Hamilton, director of promotions and marketing for the Downtown LaGrange Development Authority, said the event was created in 2011 and has grown each year.

“Usually, one occurs in the Spring and the other occurs the Friday after Thanksgiving to kick off the holiday season,” Hamilton said. “With the purchase of a $25 tumbler, attendees can go store-to-store and get free refills to sip on while browsing the local shops.”

Hamilton said the Sip & Shop is a great way to bring the community together to support and encourage small businesses while creating memories with family and friends.

“My hope is for both the Spring and holiday Sip & Shops to be an ongoing tradition for our attendees and to be something they really look forward to. Tumblers are being pre-sold at Marketplace at Lafayette Square and will also be available at the time of the event on the Chamber Plaza,” Hamilton said.

As a part of the event, Hamilton said funds from the event go to a local nonprofit.  This year’s beneficiary is the Humane Society.

“I chose the Humane Society this year because I know the need for donations has dramatically increased since the pandemic. The Humane Society relies heavily on donations, and I wanted to do something to help relieve and support them,” Hamilton said.

“The work they do is difficult but so important and needed. My goal is to raise $1,000 for them.”

She said the previous The Holiday Sip & Shop, was able to raise $1,500 for beneficiary Harmony House. 

“It feels great to give back to local nonprofits. It’s always incredibly rewarding to play a small role in helping such worthy organizations in town,” Hamilton said. “Knowing that the community is not only supporting hard-working small business owners but also simultaneously supporting the daily functions at the Humane Society is an amazing thing.”

Hamilton said there will be over 15 stores participating and will have 10-12 small business vendors set up in Flagpole Park.

“In addition to the downtown brick and mortar stores, we will have vendors set up for a small “makers market” to give small business owners who may not have a physical store a chance to increase visibility.

Supporting local makers and artists is crucial, and it is an honor to assist their success,” Hamilton said.

The Sip & Shop will be from 5 to 9 p.m.