PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK
Children enjoy a special Valentine’s Day event in downtown Berlin, last year.

By Josh Davis, Associate Editor

(Feb. 7, 2019) Downtown Berlin shops will offer free treats for children at a Valentine’s Day event, this Saturday from noon to 3 p.m.

All participants need to do is to pick up a valentine bag at the Berlin Welcome Center on 14 South Main Street. Children can decorate the bags with crayons, markers and stickers, and then fill them up with treats and crafts by visiting participating shops.

Berlin Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells said the event started two years ago and this year’s edition would mirror the previous two.

“The kids decorate their bags and then walk around town, and each of the shops have valentines for them,” Wells said. “The shop owners love it.”

Allison Early​, administrative assistant in the economic and community development department, said most of the shops and restaurants would participate.

Berlin will also sponsor free carriage rides through the town on Feb. 9 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

“Valentines Day is a perfect excuse for our community to get together to show our love and appreciation for each other,” Early said. “This event allows us to do just that, while having fun decorating bags and enjoying carriage rides together.”

The free event is recommended for children ages 4-10.

At the Town Council meeting last Monday, Wells thanked Councilman Thom Gulyas for sponsoring the event flyers that were distributed at local schools. Gulyas is the owner of ACE Printing & Mailing on Old Ocean City Boulevard in Berlin.

For more information on the Valentine’s Day event, search “Berlin Valentines Day Fun for Kids” on Facebook, or visit www.facebook.com/berlinmaryland.