Downtown Annapolis and the surrounding areas are a great draw, which is why they features so many shops, hotels, restaurants and businesses ready to serve. During the holidays, it pays to be festive – to create an environment designed to attract more people and make them feel more welcome.

To that end the Annapolis Business Association is sponsoring an event hosted at the Loews Annapolis as a fundraiser to deck those halls and trim those trees. Tickets were available online, but that time is sadly over. Look we clickety-clack on a keyboard with the best of them but occasionally those click-clacks come in late. However! We have an alternative. More exactly, they do. Tickets are available at the door.

Individually they are $75 a pop, but tables of 8 or more get a nice discount of $62.50 each, or $500 for the table. Invite your friends or invite your clients. Invite anyone and help light up downtown Annapolis. Doors open at 6 and the party continues until 10. The Loews will be offering discounted parking to attendees. The exact nature of this discount has not been made clear. It’s probably OK.

So, what does that donation get you down on West Street? Fed, for one. About 25 local restaurants will be contributing nibbles and samples and things that make you go “yum.” That’s the beginning. A DJ will provide the dancing tunes, there will be a photographer providing for all your pampered red carpet needs and the raffles might not have you leaving empty-handed.

To quench your thirst there is an optional Champagne toast (if you’re feeling snooty ask them if it’s Champagne or sparkling wine. Legally there’s a difference but it’s a little obnoxious) and the ticket price includes a couple of drink tickets. There’s also a cash bar.

The rising tide lifts all boats and all that jazz. So if you’re in the mood for a night out tonight, or just want to thank a good client or a better employee, consider pitching in, killing a couple of birds with one stone and help decorate downtown Annapolis at the same time. Everyone will thank you, and you may see a nice return in kind.