Tacoma’s Downtown Merchants Group, Pierce Transit, and the Farmer’s Market will host a free party Thurs., May 17 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Pierce Transit’s Theater Square located in the 900 block of Broadway, to launch the new ‘Go Local Passport,’ a promotion highlighting downtown business/downtown life. The new passport features discounts and free items from 37 downtown retailers, restaurants, bars, salons, spas and businesses, plus other ways to win. 10,000 Passports have been printed and will be distributed during the event.

“‘Go Local Passport’ shows how organizations within Tacoma-Pierce County can work together to make things happen,” said DMG president and Embellish Salon owner Patricia Lecy-Davis. “The collaborative effort was made possible because the Downtown Merchants Group, Pierce Transit, the BIA, the Tacoma Farmers Market and representatives from the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s Leadership Tacoma-Pierce County program worked together. As a result, the ‘Go Local Passport’ brings together nearly 20 sponsors and civic organizations and 40 retail establishments ranging from spas to retailers to restaurants to show their support for Tacoma’sburgeoning downtown.”

The Passport offers Tacoma-Pierce County residents three ways to win. First, it entitles bearers to free merchandise and discounts from 37 merchants. Secondly, people who turn their Passports in at the end of the season on Oct. 18 will be eligible for a Grand Prize Drawing. Finally, a prize patrol will be awarding special prizes throughout the summer to catch people displaying the Passport Prize Patrol Ticket.

Representatives from Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s Leadership Tacoma-Pierce County program wanted to invite area residents to be a tourist in their own backyard this summer. People from all around the world love Tacoma’s world-class museums, restaurants and shops. The ‘Go Local Passport’ makes it fun and easy for locals to savor the excitement of the city,” said David Printz, owner of The Gurus and a member of the ‘Go Local Passport’ project team.

For more information on the party or the ‘Go Local Passport,’ contact tacomadmg@gmail.com or call (253) 284-6469. Information and business participant listing for ‘Go Local’ can be found at http://www.downtowntacoma.com .

Tacoma’s Downtown Merchants Group was founded in 1997 and focuses on providing advocacy, community and economic development for retailers and businesses located in the downtown corridor.

‘Go Local’ sponsors include Embellish Salon, Grassi’s Flowers & Gifts, The Learning Sprout, Avanti Medical Spa, The Varsity Grill, Rainier Connect and a number of other downtown businesses.