BALTIMORE — With tighter restrictions community organizations and businesses continue to pivot their business models in order to stay relevant during COVID-19.
Tonight's 49th annual Washington Monument Lighting in Mount Vernon is being held virtually. Organizers are encouraging people to watch from the safety of their own homes. While the annual celebration will look and feel different, Mike Klein said he's glad to know the event wasn't canceled.
"It's not just a monument," he said. "It's a monument telling us Christmas is still happening. Hanukkah is still happening; the holidays are still here and I’m excited about it."
The pandemic also has businesses in various business districts changing shopping events.
Federal Hill has changed its Moonlight Madness event, shortening hours because of COVID-19 restrictions. This year, the event is being marketed as Fed Hill Festival Fling.
"This year because of COVID we can’t stay open late," said Crystal Moll, owner of Crystal Moll Gallery on Charles Street. "We also don’t want too many people in our shops so we’re doing two different things. We’re having Friday night where people can wander around between 4 and 8 p.m. and start visit shops and hopefully have a drink somewhere."
Moll said Saturday will feature a shopping stroll that will hopefully attract more foot traffic.
"We're doing what we can to keep people interested in our local neighborhoods," said Moll.
For more information of Fed Hill Festival Fling click here.
