The Neighborhood Exchange Announces Fall and Holiday Events in Downtown Easton

The Neighborhood Exchange will join neighboring downtown Easton businesses for a full season of community celebrations, extended shopping hours, and holiday promotions beginning Friday, Oct. 2.

The all-volunteer-run charity thrift store at 25 E. Dover St. offers gently used furniture, home décor, lamps, kitchenware, hardback and coffee table books, artwork, collectibles, and other household goods. Proceeds support the people served by the Neighborhood Service Center of Talbot County’s emergency services and food, housing, clothing, energy, and employment assistance programs.

“The Neighborhood Exchange has become more than a place to find something special for your home,” said Andy Hollis, executive director of the Neighborhood Service Center of Talbot County. “The store brings people together, strengthens our relationships with neighboring retailers, and gives shoppers an easy way to support local families while keeping useful items in our community.” 

The Exchange will begin the season with Easton’s Fall Kick-Off Weekend on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2 and 3. The downtown celebration will feature professionally carved giant pumpkins displayed outside participating businesses, seasonal shopping and dining specials, live music, children’s activities, entertainment, and an outdoor movie.

Guests can follow the downtown pumpkin trail and see The Neighborhood Exchange’s carved pumpkin while browsing the store’s changing collection of furniture, household goods, décor, books, artwork, and unexpected finds.

Fall Kick-Off Weekend begins Friday evening with music and entertainment from 4 to 7 p.m., First Friday Gallery Walk from 5 to 7 p.m., and children’s pumpkin decorating and a free outdoor screening of “Hotel Transylvania” at the Academy Art Museum. Activities continue Saturday, Oct. 3, with live music, children’s activities, glassblowing demonstrations, an outdoor craft fair, and other events throughout Easton.

The Exchange will remain open until 7 p.m. for First Friday Gallery Walks on Oct. 2, Nov. 6, and Dec. 4. The extended hours will give guests another shopping destination as downtown galleries introduce new exhibitions and businesses welcome guests for an evening in Easton.

The store will also welcome guests during the 55th annual Waterfowl Festival, Friday through Sunday, Nov. 13 through 15. The three-day festival celebrates Eastern Shore art, culture, sporting traditions, and conservation while bringing thousands of guests to downtown Easton. The Exchange will be open during its regular weekend hours, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Holiday shopping begins in earnest with Shop Small Saturday on Nov. 28. Shoppers are encouraged to support Easton’s independently owned businesses while searching for distinctive gifts and seasonal décor. The Exchange will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will offer an ever-changing selection of affordable, donated merchandise.

Easton’s holiday festivities continue Saturday, Dec. 5, with the downtown holiday tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. in Thompson Park, followed by Easton’s annual Holiday Parade at 6:30 p.m. The parade will feature decorated floats, marching bands, classic cars, holiday characters, and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Participation in the downtown promotions represents a growing partnership between The Neighborhood Exchange and nearby retailers. Store volunteers are working with neighboring businesses to welcome guests, encourage local shopping, and introduce more people to the Exchange’s charitable mission.

“Our downtown businesses support one another, and every participating shop gives guests another reason to spend time in Easton,” Hollis said. “When people shop at The Neighborhood Exchange, their purchases carry the added benefit of helping neighbors facing difficult circumstances.” 

Community donations make the store’s work possible. The Exchange welcomes clean, gently used furniture, lamps and lighting, home décor, kitchenware, linens, artwork, hardback and coffee table books, collectibles, small household items, and other home essentials.

Donations may be dropped off at 25 E. Dover St. during regular store hours. Donors with larger items or questions about current needs should call 410-822-5015 before bringing their donations.

Regular store hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. The Exchange will remain open until 7 p.m. during First Friday Gallery Walks on Oct. 2, Nov. 6, and Dec. 4.

Updated information about downtown Easton events is available at  www.DiscoverEaston.com/events. More information about The Neighborhood Exchange, including donation information, is available at www.NSCTalbotMD.org/exchange.