It was a chance to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season for local businesswomen. The Lima Allen County Chamber of Commerce's "Jollification" drew more than 200 people to the Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center. It was not only a chance to network but also a chance to shop, to promote your business, and to just have fun. Everyone had their own reason for attending "Jollification."

December 6, 2024, Press Release from Lima City Schools: Lima Senior High School DECA students learning about entrepreneurship will present their annual DECA Marketplace from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, in the high school cafeteria. The community is invited to come and do some shopping of 10 different products created by students. The products include hair accessories, wax melts, "Freshie" air fresheners, car organization accessories, decorated Christmas cookies, chocolate covered strawberries, pudding cup desserts, snack mixes, dog treats, jewelry and a limited supply of custom coffee blends from Vibe Coffeehouse.

If you haven't done it already, many in town are getting their holiday shopping taken care of, and there are some things you need to keep an eye out for besides the price tags for presents. Holiday shopping is on the minds of many folks this time of the year, bagging up gifts and toys for the family, and while you're focused on getting everything on your holiday wish list and checking it twice, there's something else you need to keep in mind: your safety. Carrying bags full of valuable items, even hundreds of dollars worth, and a car full of presents can be a prime target for those wishing to spoil the holiday fun or to take it for themselves. Local law enforcement is aware of shoppers facing potential threats during the holidays, and they say staying vigilant is the key.

November 1, 2024, Press Release from Lima Memorial Health System: The Lima Memorial Auxiliary invites the community to kick off the holiday season at its annual Holiday Bazaar and Gift Shop Open House on Friday, November 8. The event will take place in the Lima Memorial Welcome Center, which will be transformed into a festive holiday shopping destination in support of the Lima Memorial Auxiliary.

October 31, 2024, Press Release from the Hancock County Convention & Visitors Bureau: (FINDLAY, OH, October 31, 2024) ArtWalk, a family-friendly free event taking place quarterly will mark the beginning of the holiday season in Downtown Findlay on Friday, November 1. ArtWalk is an opportunity for Downtown Findlay businesses and local creatives to come together, with artists and musicians located within walking distance of each other at local shops, restaurants, and businesses.  Visitors can view artwork and talk to artists, listen to the talents of musicians, and also support local business.  Artwork is available for purchase at nearly all locations.

One of the largest events at the Allen County Fairgrounds kicked off Friday for the Labor Day weekend! Max's Trader Days and Water Dog Races returned for another year of residents and shoppers to relax and shop. In addition to purchasing items at vendors, the weekend will have plenty of other fun including the high-energy water dog races, enjoying your favorite foods, karaoke, and camping. Organizers say that there are over 1,800 in attendance this year, a statistic that helps to unite the community and funnel hundreds of thousands of dollars into the local economy.

Ohio is giving shoppers a longer tax break when families are thinking about back-to-school shopping. The sales tax holiday will run from Tuesday, July 30th, to Thursday, August 8th. The sales tax holiday has been going on for years in the state, but last year the General Assembly extended it from three days to 10 days to help people keep a few dollars in their pockets. It includes purchases in person and online up to $500.