Tourism Industry & BACVA News 

For Immediate Release                    

April 28, 2008    

Contact:
Sara Hisamoto
Baltimore Area Convention & Visitors Association
410-659-7071
shisamoto@baltimore.org

BACVA UNVEILS BALTIMORE FOR LESS WEEKEND

New Initiative Invites Residents to Become Tourists in Their Own Town

 
BALTIMORE - The Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association (BACVA) will kick off the start of the summer tourism season with a local tourism promotion geared toward residents in the Baltimore region on May 3 and 4, 2008. BaltiMORE for LESS Weekend will provide residents with the opportunity to become "tourists in their own town" by enjoying special attraction and parking discounts and a weekend full of special events.

In celebration of BaltiMORE for LESS Weekend, more than 15 attractions will offer discounts and reduced, flat-rate parking will be available at 10 Baltimore City parking garages allowing residents to experience it all for less. Parking rates will range from $3-$7 with the support of the Parking Authority of Baltimore city.

"The weekend is a chance for locals to experience and learn more about the attractions and events that are enjoyed by millions of visitors each year," says Tom Noonan, BACVA president and CEO. "Forty-four percent of our overnight leisure visitors come to Baltimore to visit friends and family so it is important to get the people who live here excited about what is happening in the city."

In addition to the discounts provided, there are several special events planned for both Saturday and Sunday including:

• A free Milkshake Concert hosted by the Waterfront Partnership will take place on May 3, at 11a.m. on the West Shore Park. There will also be interactive activities hosted by Geppi's Entertainment Museum, Port Discovery, Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park, and the Baltimore Museum of Art.

• A free scavenger hunt on May 4, from noon - 4 p.m., where participants can win prizes to their favorite Baltimore restaurants and attractions.

• Special appearances by world-renowned artist Peter Max presenting his latest exhibit, "Colors of a Better World," at the Light Street Pavilion. May 3 from 3 - 6 p.m. and May 4 from 1 - 4 p.m.

• American Visionary Art Museum's 10^th Annual Kinetic Sculpture Race on May 3 from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

• Day two of the Flowermart in Mount Vernon on May 3 from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

• The Living Classrooms Foundation's BUGS (Baltimore Urban Gardening with Students) Farmer's Market on May 3 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Living Classrooms Foundation at 802 South Caroline Street.

 
For more information on events, parking and attraction discounts, visit www.baltimore.org/moreforless, or call 1-877-Baltimore. 

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The Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association (BACVA) - the official sales and marketing organization for Baltimore that generates economic benefits for stakeholders through the attraction of convention, group and leisure visitors.