From Irv Bowen, Chairman and CEO of The Las Olas Company

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

While the day after Thanksgiving has become the busiest shopping day of the year, it has always been one of the most important for all our retailers, restaurants and other merchants that help make Las Olas the focal point of Fort Lauderdale. So, to ensure that the Boulevard is brimming with holiday shoppers, we're giving a gift that is designed to give back to you and your favorite retail destinations: complimentary parking in all of Las Olas Company's lots on Friday, November 28th beginning at 10:00 a.m. Be sure not to miss all the sidewalk sales, specials and seasonal treats that will make what is more popularly known as "Black Friday" the biggest holiday shopping extravaganza the boulevard has ever seen.

Also, please don't miss Christmas on Las Olas. It is a yearly tradition in Fort Lauderdale that will take place Tuesday, December 2nd. Christmas on Las Olas transforms the Boulevard into a winter wonderland, full of carolers, choirs, and fun. This year, in addition to Riverside Hotel's "Ice Bar" and Starbuck's Snow Mountain, we're unveiling a few new holiday surprises. Not only will Christmas on Las Olas feature sledding down Snow Mountain (to benefit the Jack and Jill Foundation), this year, attendees can "ice" skate and even "snow" ski right on Las Olas.

But what are the holidays on Las Olas without the spirit of giving? There are a variety of charities participating in the name of a good cause, including Children's Home Society, which is accepting unwrapped toy donations at Carroll's Jewelry and Kids in Distress, which will be taking orders for fresh Christmas trees and wreaths for home delivery. And to help everyone get into the giving spirit, Shadowood II, Inc. is hosting Christmas on Las Olas' first "Santa Holiday Holly Daze Surprise" mystery raffle, featuring more than $1,200 in gift certificates and merchandise. It's sure to be this year's must have ticket.

So, when I take a step back and see what all the Boulevard has become, I can see that tradition – old and new – are still very much at work in shaping where we will go. I truly hope you'll join us in embracing the holiday spirit and bringing Las Olas to life. Happy Holidays!