Free Saturday Parking Downtown Through December 24

Source: amherstma.gov

In celebration of Small Business Saturdays during the holiday season, the town has approved the Amherst Business Improvement District’s request for free parking at all meters and metered spaces in downtown Amherst on Saturdays starting after Thanksgiving and running through Christmas, . 

Parking at all Town lots and meters in downtown Amherst will be free on the following Saturdays: 

• November 26th
• December 3rd
• December 10th
• December 17th &
• December 24th 

Please be mindful of posted time limits or other posted parking restrictions such as handicapped parking spaces, loading zones, etc.  View the parking map that can be found here.

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Town Council Proclamation in Support of Small Business Saturday® and Merry Days

Council Sponsor: Lynn Griesemer | Community Sponsor: Amherst Chamber of Commerce and the Amherst Business Improvement District

Whereas, the Town of Amherst supports and celebrates our local small businesses which contribute to our local economy, create jobs, and preserve our community; and

Whereas, nearly 90% of the for-profit businesses in Amherst are relatively small, with less than 20 employees, and approximately 70% have fewer than 10 employees; and

Whereas, according to the United States Small Business Administration, there are 31.7 million small businesses in the United States which represent 99.9% of all firms with paid employees in the United States, and which are responsible for 65.1% of net new jobs created from 2000 to 2019; and

Whereas, over 98% of small businesses employ fewer than 100 employees and 89% employ fewer than 20 employees; and

Whereas, small businesses employ 47.1% of the employees in the private sector in the United States, employing over 59.9 million people, 65% of U.S. small business owners say it would be most helpful to their business to have their “regulars” return and start making purchases again, and three-quarters of U.S. consumers are currently looking for ways to Shop Small® and support their community; and

Whereas, 96% of consumers who shop on Small Business Saturday® agree that shopping at small, independently-owned businesses supports their commitment to making purchases that have a positive social, economic, and environmental impact, and 97% of consumers who shop on Small Business Saturday® agree that small businesses are essential to their community; and

Whereas, advocacy groups and public and private organizations across the country have endorsed the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday®; and

Whereas, the Amherst BID is doing a special “Sip and Shop Stroll” on Thursday, December 15, 2022. The Amherst BID will offer horse drawn carriage rides from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM to help shoppers get around Downtown in style. In addition, several local restaurants will offer prix fix menus for this evening.

Whereas, in full support of Small Businesses the Town Council will offer free parking at all meters and metered parking spaces the following Saturdays: November 26, December 3, December 10, December 17, and December 24.

Now, therefore, the Amherst Town Council proclaims Saturday, November 26, 2022 Small Business Saturday® and urges the residents of our community to support Amherst-wide small businesses and merchants on Small Business Saturday® and throughout the year.