The tour will take patrons to locally owned businesses in a variety of Louisville neighborhoods. The registration fee includes opening and closing receptions, door prizes and transportation to more than a dozen shops on East Market Street (NULU), South Fourth Street, Lexington Road and in Butchertown.

“Our goal is to expose our faculty, staff and friends to many of the shops and restaurants that make Louisville such a special place,” said John Drees, one of the event organizers. “This event supports the local business community and helps our shoppers find many items you can only find in these unique stores.”

Early bird registration is $35 and is available until Nov. 1. After that, registration is $40. To register, call Alice Wissel at 502-852-3533. The trip is open to the public, but bus seating is limited. UofL faculty, staff, students and alumni will receive priority for seating.

Activities will begin with festive drinks and a light breakfast at the University Club on Belknap Campus at 8 a.m. Shoppers will board a bus at 9 a.m. to begin their day of shopping. The group will return to the University Club for a closing reception from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. It will feature free holiday decorating and mixology demonstrations and samples, hot hors d’oeuvres and door prizes.

Shoppers who purchase from at least five stores will be entered into the LIBA “Shift Your Shopping Contest,” which includes a drawing for a $1,000 “Buy Local” shopping spree.

LIBA seeks to preserve the unique character of Louisville Metro by promoting locally owned businesses and by educating citizens on the value of buying locally.

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John Drees is a 35-year veteran in the Office of Communications and Marketing. As vice president, communications and marketing, he works closely with the president, provost and other senior administrators, oversees the Office of Communications and Marketing, including media relations, marketing and brand, broadcast, social media, internal communication, crisis communication, visitor services and special events and activities. A former sports editor for the Voice Newspapers, he was a regular contributor to a variety of publications, including the Kentucky Sports Report and the Courier-Journal. A poor but enthusiastic golfer, he is an avid Cardinal sports fan. He also loves the Detroit Lions, so pity him.