Monday, October 8^th is Columbus Day, and is a great opportunity for families to kick off the fall season in New England.

Chances are the kids are at home and mom and dad - if they are lucky - have the day off from work.  With cool days and crisp nights and Halloween and brilliant foliage approaching, Columbus Day is the right time for family activities and decorating your home.

This year, consider frequenting a local farm or business rather than the same old chain or franchise on Columbus Day.  Farms and fall are made for each other, and serve as a great venue for picking pumpkins and apples, navigating a corn maze, enjoying fresh foods, and choosing seasonal plants and decorations.  Many farms are also holding special events and actiivites on Columbus Day, and provide a great chance for some outdoor fun.

Here are three good reasons why you should consider shopping local, on Columbus Day and every day.

1. Preserving Us:  A local farm is a one of a kind business, and
that uniqueness contributes to the look and feel of your town.  Where we shop, who we see, and what we do helps define and preserve our community.

2. Better Business:  Local business owners and their employees know their business and products far better than a supermarket clerk can possibly know the thousands of items on their store’s shelves. Local farmers and business owners get to know their customers by name and are more likely to offer you service with a smile.

3.  Community Investment:  Local business owners and farmers live within
the community they serve.  Their success is an investment in your community and its future.  The better they do, the better we all do.

Enjoy your Columbus Day and your family on Monday - and remember to shop your local farm or business when you do.

www.shawfarm.com