Holiday shopping season begins; Friday Harbor stores open late

Today is officially the first day of the holiday shopping season, a day when turkey dinner-induced drowsiness is replaced by the rush that comes from crowds, decorations, goodies and finding good shopping deals.

Today is officially the first day of the holiday shopping season, a day when turkey dinner-induced drowsiness is replaced by the rush that comes from crowds, decorations, goodies and finding good shopping deals.

It’s Black Friday, a day businesses hope give them a boost into the “black.” Businesses throughout Friday Harbor and elsewhere on San Juan Island are adorned in holiday decorations, and shelves and racks are overflowing.

Many shops will remain open until 8 p.m. today.

To encourage islanders to shop locally, the Chamber of Commerce organized a “Punch Card” activity. Pick up a punch card at a participating store, have the card stamped at all of the shops listed on the card, and you’re eligible to enter the completed card in a drawing for a gift basket worth more than $300.

The Port of Friday Harbor is offering one night’s free moorage to boaters who show receipts of $100 or more from shopping in town between Thanksgiving and Christmas (excluding alcohol and tobacco).