“Think Global. Shop Local. Be Independent.”

Ever since I lived in Austin have I been a big supporter for local businesses. Austin is doing it right – actually, the people of Austin are doing it right – buying from local vendors instead of from monster Corporations that eat up the little guy. Something is changing – the little guy sees opportunity and a demand from people who want to shop local. The opportunity is enormous and good for the community. Money spent in the community is most likely to stay in the community, providing more jobs for people who live there. Local businesses also makes our city unique, promoting creativity and a not so mass produced way of living/thinking.

The first weekend in December will be The Dallas Indie Experience. If you haven’t yet made it down to the Bishop Arts District, I encourage you to go for any one of these events and see for yourself how local businesses can make such a positive impact on a community.

Thursday December 4th – First Thursday is an evening of art, food & culture in the historic Bishop Arts District of Oak Cliff. Shops and restaurants will stay open until 10pm, live music, wine tastings, and other festivities. Starts at 5pm.

Friday December 5th – The 13th Annual Jingle Bells on Bishop will be going on from 6-10pm. This year is a Cowboy Christmas with live music, special sales at many of the independent retailers, and free drinks somewhere. Don’t miss the opening reception of Stand By Your Man: A Tribute to Bonnie & Clyde. The event will be hosted by Sindustry Designs at 411 N. Tyler St. from 7pm-9pm.

Saturday December 6th – Get an early morning start for the 8th original Urban Street Bazaar beginning at 11am and lasting through the night. The  Jingle Bells on Bishop will also be going on from 6-10pm. Stop by the 4th annual Art Conspiracy fundraiser starting at 7pm, benefiting Preservation LINK, Inc.

Sunday December 7th – Change it up a bit and head down to the South Side on Lamar for the 2nd Annual Deck the Halls from 11am to 6pm. Shop from the areas local vendors – from vintage to DIY recycled ornaments. Bring a toy donation for the St. Phillips kids and enter to win cash in the 50/50 drawing benefiting St. Phillips School and Community Center.

What a busy weekend ahead of us. I hope everyone had a safe, festive and thankful Thanksgiving holiday. See you around town!

Resources:
THE Magazine of and for the Arts: Dallas Indie Experience 2008
Art & Seek: 2nd Annual Deck the Halls

Interested in more events like this one? Subscribe to the ILiveinDallas calendar or RSS Feed. Visit often but get out for yourself!