Business Boom, Hawaii Winner + Turkey Trot Time! 🦃

Happy Tuesday, Laurel! 👋

Happy Thanksgiving week! As we gather with family and friends to count our blessings, there's so much to celebrate right here in our community.

In today's edition, we're sharing exciting news about a major business investment in Laurel, celebrating a local woman's lucky trip to Hawaii and recapping the incredible success of Laurel Blessing Baskets (173 families blessed!). Plus, we've got 7 events happening THIS WEEK including the LARS Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, Small Business Saturday and more!

And if you're planning ahead? We've got 27 events through the holidays—from Santa visits to holiday parades to a Kwanzaa celebration!

Let's dive in! 👇

Big news for Laurel's business community! Carolina's Wholesale LLC has purchased a warehouse in Laurel, signaling confidence in our city as a prime location for commerce and growth.

This investment brings jobs, economic activity and renewed energy to Laurel's commercial landscape. When businesses choose to invest here, it's a vote of confidence in our community's infrastructure, workforce and future.

Warehouse and distribution facilities are vital to the regional economy, supporting supply chains that keep goods moving and businesses thriving. Having more of this activity based in Laurel means more opportunities for local employment and economic development.

Welcome to Laurel, Carolina's Wholesale LLC! We're excited to see your business grow here. Investments like this remind us that Laurel is a great place to do business—and an even better place to call home.

Talk about lucky! A Laurel woman is packing her bags for paradise after winning a trip to Hawaii through the Maryland Lottery's Second Chance promotion.

This local winner entered the Second Chance drawing—a program that gives non-winning lottery tickets another shot at prizes—and hit the jackpot with an all-expenses-paid Hawaiian getaway. It just goes to show: sometimes those "losing" tickets aren't losers after all!

The Maryland Lottery's Second Chance program allows players to enter non-winning scratch-off and draw game tickets for a chance at prizes ranging from cash to incredible experiences like this Hawaiian vacation.

Congratulations to our lucky Laurel neighbor! We hope you enjoy every moment of sunshine, beaches, and relaxation. You've given the rest of us a reason to double-check our old lottery tickets! 🌺 Read the full story here!

Aloha, indeed! 🏝️

This is what community looks like. The 3rd Annual Laurel Blessing Baskets initiative delivered 173 complete Thanksgiving meal baskets to local families in need—ensuring that nearly 200 households could gather around a full table this holiday.

Volunteers, donors and community partners came together at Karnival Hall to pack and distribute baskets filled with everything a family needs for a traditional Thanksgiving feast: turkey, sides, dessert and all the fixings.

173 families. 173 moments of relief. 173 reasons to be grateful for the generosity of this community.

To everyone who donated, volunteered, spread the word, or supported in any way—thank you. You made Thanksgiving possible for families who might otherwise have gone without.

This is Laurel at its best. When we come together, incredible things happen.

Already looking forward to next year? So are we. Mark your calendars and get involved—because every family deserves a seat at the Thanksgiving table.

Exciting news from Dinosaur Park! Researchers have discovered baby sauropod fossils at the park, adding to our understanding of the dinosaurs that once roamed Maryland millions of years ago.

Sauropods were the giant, long-necked herbivores that are among the most iconic dinosaurs. Finding fossils of young sauropods is particularly rare and valuable for scientific research, helping paleontologists understand how these massive creatures grew and developed.

Dinosaur Park continues to be a treasure trove of prehistoric discoveries right here in our backyard. If you haven't visited yet, this is a great reminder to check it out!

After decades of breed-specific legislation, Prince George's County has officially lifted its ban on pit bulls. This significant change means residents can now own pit bulls without the restrictions that have been in place since 1997.

The decision reflects a growing understanding that breed-specific bans are less effective than responsible ownership laws. Animal advocates have long argued that a dog's behavior is shaped more by training and environment than breed alone.

For pit bull lovers in Laurel and throughout PG County, this is welcome news. Responsible pet ownership remains important regardless of breed—but now, more families can welcome these loyal, loving dogs into their homes without legal barriers.

Calling all Jane Austen fans! Laurel Mill Playhouse presents "Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley," a charming holiday sequel to "Pride and Prejudice" that follows the bookish middle sister, Mary Bennet, as she finds her own love story.

This witty, romantic comedy is perfect for the holiday season—combining Austen's beloved characters with Christmas cheer and a fresh perspective on a classic tale. It's theater at its finest, right here on Main Street in Laurel.

Performances begin December 5th. Get your tickets early—this one is sure to be popular! 🎭

Last week, the community gathered at Laurel Towne Centre for the official Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and what a magical evening it was! Families bundled up, hot cocoa flowed, and the tree lit up to cheers and applause.

Events like this kick off the holiday season in the best way—bringing neighbors together to celebrate tradition, community, and the magic of the holidays. If you were there, you know how special it was. If you missed it, we hope to see you next year!

The holiday season is officially here, Laurel. Let the celebrations continue! 🎄

Our community photo spotlight is back! Show Us Your Laurel celebrates the everyday photographers among us—capturing the beauty, spirit and character of our town through their own lens.

Each edition, we feature one winning photo submitted by a community member. No professional equipment required—just your eye for what makes Laurel special.

This edition's winner: Korena Coulter!

Korena's beautiful photograph captures Main Street at sunset in a way that reminds us why we love this town. In her own words: "This was taken on Main Street one evening leaving the American Legion while out with my boyfriend and we pulled over and stopped to admire our old town and the sunset as it blanketed over. It was too beautiful to pass up."

And we're so glad she didn't pass it up! There's something magical about those moments when you're going about your day and Laurel stops you in your tracks with its beauty. Korena's photo perfectly captures that feeling—the warm glow of sunset wrapping around our historic downtown, turning an ordinary evening into something extraordinary.

This is exactly what Show Us Your Laurel is all about—seeing our community through your eyes.

Want to be featured? We'd love to see Laurel through your lens! Whether it's Main Street at golden hour, a community event, nature along the Patuxent, or anything that says "Laurel" to you—email your photos to [email protected] with the subject line "Show Us Your Laurel" and you might be featured in an upcoming edition.

📸 Congratulations, Korena! Thank you for showing us your Laurel.

Thanksgiving week is here! From the Turkey Trot to Small Business Saturday, here's what's happening around Laurel THIS WEEK (November 25 - December 1):

Festive Holiday Luncheon 📅 Wednesday, November 26th from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM 📍 Laurel Multiservice Center, 204 Fort Meade Rd, Laurel, MD | The City of Laurel Multiservice Center and Onynx Care Foundation are proud to present Feeding Families with Celebrity Chef Razia Sabour, winner of OWN's Great Soul Food Cook-Off and founder of Fuller Food. For more information, please call 301-974-3010.

LARS Turkey Trot 📅 Thursday, November 27th from 8 AM to 9:30 AM 📍 Alice B. McCullough Field, Montgomery St & 8th St, Laurel, MD | The big day! Thanksgiving morning 5K supporting hunger relief.

Green Friday Plant Party 📅 Friday, November 28th from 5 PM to 8 PM 📍 Sankofa Yoga & Wellness Center, 302 Main Street, Laurel, MD | Skip the Black Friday chaos and go green instead! This Plant Party offers a refreshing alternative to traditional shopping madness. Browse beautiful plants, connect with fellow plant lovers and add some greenery to your home just in time for the cozy winter months ahead.

Holiday Gift Market 📅 Saturday, November 29th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM 📍 Evolution at Town Centre Laurel, 14725 4th St, Laurel, MD | Skip the big-box stores and shop local this Black Friday! This market features unique handmade items, local vendors and gift ideas you won't find anywhere else. Mimosas and goodies for all shoppers while supplies last.

City of Laurel's Small Business Saturday 📅 Saturday, November 29th from 9 AM to 12 PM 📍 The Quill Lot, 378 Main Street, Laurel, MD | It's Small Business Saturday, and Laurel is celebrating! Skip the big chains and shop local this weekend. Our Main Street shops, restaurants and local businesses are ready to welcome you with unique finds, personalized service and that small-town charm that makes Laurel special. Join for refreshments, contests and a chance to pick up this year's Small Business Passport Book!

Santa at Sweetfrog Laurel 📅 Sunday, November 30th from 3 PM to 4 PM 📍 Sweetfrog, 3341 Corridor Marketplace, Laurel, MD | Santa is making a sweet stop at Sweetfrog! Bring the kids for frozen yogurt and a visit with the big guy himself. It's a fun, casual way to meet Santa without the long mall lines. Grab a treat, snap some photos and kick off December with holiday cheer! 🎅

Annual Cellar Sale at Jailbreak Brewing 📅 Monday, December 1st from 5 PM to 7 PM 📍 Jailbreak Brewing Company, 9445 Washington Blvd, Laurel MD | To help make room in the cellar, they’ve decided to hold their first annual cellar sale. This unique event will not only provide ridiculous discounts on many amazing wines from around the world, it will give you the opportunity to try each wine before purchasing. Arrive early—these sell out fast! 🎟️ Get tickets here! Bonus: Purchase a bottle and they’ll credit your $25 ticket toward that bottle purchase!

Planning ahead? Here are 27 upcoming events through the holidays—from Santa visits to holiday parades to Kwanzaa celebrations!

Arts & Sciences Open House at Pallotti 📅 Tuesday, December 2nd from 6 PM to 8 PM 📍 St. Vincent Pallotti High School, 113 St Mary’s Pl, Laurel, MD | Explore academic programs, meet faculty, and learn about opportunities at Pallotti High School. Perfect for families considering high school options for their students.

Holiday Parade 📅 Saturday, December 6th | 3:45 PM (parade kick-off) & 5:15 PM (Armory Illumination) 📍 Laurel Armory, 422 Montgomery St, Laurel, MD | Mark your calendars! Santa, floats, music, tree-lighting and holiday magic. Laurel's most beloved winter tradition returns.

Breakfast with Santa 📅 Saturday, December 6th from 9 AM to 11 AM 📍 Partnership Hall, 811 5th St, Laurel, MD | Little ones can meet Santa over a delicious hot breakfast! A magical morning for families. RSVP required via email. 📧

4th Annual CAFE & PONCHE Holiday Pop-Up 📅 Saturday, December 6th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM 📍 Centrado Café Shop, 15530-B Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, MD | Get into the holiday spirit at this festive pop-up celebration! Enjoy live music from Maria & The Sacred Hearts (12-2 PM), sip seasonal holiday drinks including traditional Salvadoran ponche and treat yourself to delicious cake pops from Dulce Duo. Kids will love the special activities, and you can shop from holiday market vendors for unique gifts. Plus, bring an unwrapped toy to donate—this event partners with Ayuda for a toy drive benefiting local families. It's food, music, community and giving back all in one joyful afternoon! 🌐 Learn more: www.centradocafeshop.com

Milk & Cookies with Santa 📅 Saturday, December 6th from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM 📍 Womans Club of Laurel, 384 Main Street, Laurel, MD | Let the children visit with Santa in a cozy setting. Enjoy a snack of delicious home-baked cookies with choice of beverage. Crafts, raffles and goody bags! $5/person; under 1 year is free. RSVP required via email 📧

Jingle & Jazz: An Exclusive Holiday Social 📅 Saturday, December 6th @ 5:00 PM 📍 DC Homme, 317 Main Street, Laurel, MD | A festive evening featuring live jazz, curated hors d’oeuvres, and handcrafted spirits—all in support of Peace on Patuxent Inc.

Bridge Lighting at Savage Mill 📅 Saturday, December 6th @ 6:00 PM (plan to arrive early) 📍 Savage Mill, 8600 Foundry St, Savage, MD | Experience the magic as the historic bridge at Savage Mill lights up for the holidays! This stunning display transforms the mill area into a winter wonderland. Stroll through the lit pathways, enjoy the festive atmosphere and soak in the holiday spirit at this beautiful historic location.

Tropical Christmas at Mary's Land Farm 📅 Saturday-Sunday, December 6th-7th from 1 PM to 5 PM (both days) 📍 Mary's Land Farm, 4979 Sheppard Ln, Ellicott City, MD | Experience Christmas with a tropical twist! This unique celebration brings island vibes to the farm with festive activities, tropical treats, and holiday fun for the whole family. It's unlike any Christmas event you've seen before! 🌴 Learn more: https://maryslandfarm.com/series/a-tropical-christmas-on-the-farm/

LVFD Auxiliary Breakfast 📅 Sunday, December 7th from 8:30 AM to 11 AM 📍 Laurel Volunteer Fire Department, 7411 Cherry Ln, Laurel, MD | Start your Sunday with a hearty home-cooked breakfast and support the LVFD Auxiliary. Bring the family and fuel up for the day. Cost: $15/adults; $5/kids.

Holiday Walking Tour at Savage Mill 📅 Sunday, December 7th from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM📍 Savage Mill, 8600 Foundry St, Savage, MD | Take a guided walking tour of historic Savage Mill decked out in holiday splendor! Learn about the area's rich history while enjoying seasonal decorations and festive atmosphere. It's history and holidays combined!

Teen Trip: Symphony of Lights 📅 Friday, December 12th from 4:45 PM to 9:30 PM 📍 Merriweather Post Pavillion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD | Laurel's teens are in for a treat! Parks & Rec is taking young people to experience the dazzling Symphony of Lights display. Think thousands of twinkling lights, holiday magic and memories with friends. All trips depart from the Robert J. DiPietro Community Center.

Snow Hill Manor Holiday Open House 📅 Friday, December 12th 📍 Snow Hill Manor, 13301 Laurel Bowie Service Road, Laurel, MD | Step into holiday elegance at Snow Hill Manor's annual Holiday Open House! Tour this historic property decked out in festive décor, enjoy light refreshments and soak in the charm of the season. Reservations required by calling (301) 249-2004 or email @ [email protected]

LHS Holiday House Tour 📅 Saturday, December 13th from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM 📍 Location TBD | This year’s event will highlight four stunning historic homes, a historic church aglow with newly-restored stained glass windows, and a certury-old school. Light refreshments and craft activities for kids will be available at the school stop. 🎟️ Advance tickets are $25 for LHS members and $30 for general admission.

LARS Holiday Cookie Decorating Class 📅 Saturday, December 13th from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM 📍 Laurel Advocacy & Referral Services, 309 Laurel Ave, Laurel, MD | Get your hands (and aprons) messy at this festive cookie decorating class! Only 20 tickets are available and tickets cost $60. Perfect for kids, adults or anyone who loves frosting and sprinkles. 🍪 Click here to register!

La Posada Laurel & Salsa Contest 📅 Saturday, December 13th from 4 PM to 7 PM 📍 House of Restoration Church, 321 Prince George St, Laurel, MD | Come enjoy this beloved tradition with food, Ponche Navideño, a festive piñata and plenty of holiday cheer. Bring your family and friends for a night full of culture, community and celebration. And if you think your salsa is the best in Laurel, enter the Salsa Contest and let our judges decide!

Modern Calligraphy for Beginners 📅 Saturday, December 13th from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM📍 Ragamuffins Coffee House, 305 Main Street, Laurel, MD | Learn a beautiful new skill! This beginner-friendly calligraphy class teaches the basics of modern hand lettering. Perfect for creating holiday cards, gift tags or just exploring a creative hobby. Enjoy coffee and creativity in a cozy setting. ✍️ Click here to register!

Wine and Wreaths 📅 Sunday, December 14th at 3:00 PM📍 Clyopatra Winery & Vineyard, 24 C St, Laurel, MD | Combine creativity and relaxation! This workshop lets you create your own custom holiday wreath while enjoying wine and festive company. It's the perfect holiday activity—crafty, cozy, and fun! 🎟️ Get tickets here!

Holiday Open House 📅 Sunday, December 14th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM📍 Montpelier Cultural Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd, Laurel, MD | Meet and join the talented resident artists for demonstrations and artist talks in their studios. Visit exhibitions in three galleries and enjoy receptions for photographer Berchel Douglas and resident artist David Brosch. Groove to live music, make a holiday craft and celebrate the season with your family and friends!

Adult Trip: Miracle on 34th Street 📅 Monday, December 15th from 4 PM to 9 PM 📍 34th Street, Baltimore, MD | Join Laurel Parks & Rec for a festive visit to Miracle on 34th Street in Baltimore to see the famous holiday lights! They will stop for dinner in Hampden before enjoying the cheerful display. All trips depart from the Robert J. DiPietro Community Center. Resident - $10, Non-Resident - $15.

Krampus Nightmare at Laurel Haunt 📅 Saturday, December 20th from 7 PM to 10 PM 📍 Laurel’s House of Horrors, 904 Fairlawn Ave, Laurel, MD | Think the holidays are all sugar plums and candy canes? Think again. The Laurel Haunt is bringing back Krampus Nightmare for those who prefer their December with a little more... darkness. This holiday horror experience isn't for the faint of heart! 🎟️ Click here for more info

A Charlie Brown Christmas with the Eric Byrd Trio 📅 Saturday, December 20th at 2:00 PM📍 Montpelier Cultural Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd, Laurel, MD | Experience the timeless music of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" performed live by the Eric Byrd Trio! The beloved Vince Guaraldi jazz score comes to life in this special holiday performance. Perfect for jazz lovers and Charlie Brown fans alike! 🎵 Get tickets here!

Grounding By The Fire at Sankofa 📅 Sunday, December 21st from 5 PM to 8 PM 📍 Sankofa Yoga Center, 302 Main St, Laurel, MD | Find peace and presence during the busy holiday season. This grounding session by the fire offers a chance to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. 🧘 Click here to sign up!

Flash Mob Swing Dance 📅 Sunday, December 21st from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM📍 Savage Mill, 8600 Foundry St, Savage, MD | Surprise! A flash mob swing dance is happening! Whether you join in or just watch the fun, this spontaneous dance celebration is sure to bring smiles. Keep your eyes open—you never know where it might pop up!

2nd Annual Laurel Lights Walk 📅 Monday, December 22nd @ 6:30 PM 📍 LARS, 309 Laurel Ave, Laurel, MD | Join the LARS staff as they lead a 2 mile walk around Historic Laurel to view their favorite holiday lights. Followed by hot chocolate and cookies with the staff.

Photos with Santa 📅 Monday, December 22nd from 4 PM to 5:30 PM 📍 Partnership Hall, 811 5th St, Laurel, MD | Get those last-minute holiday card photos! Santa returns right before Christmas for one more photo session. Bring your own camera/phone. Free event!

Holiday Movie: Elf 📅 Monday, December 22nd @ 6 PM 📍 Partnership Hall, 811 5th St, Laurel, MD | Cozy up for a free screening of "Elf"! Bring blankets, pillows and your holiday spirit. The perfect way to wind down before Christmas!

Inaugural Kwanzaa Showcase 📅 Saturday, December 27th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM📍 Carroll Baldwin Hall, 9035 Baltimore St, Savage, MD | Celebrate Kwanzaa at this inaugural community showcase! This event honors African American culture, heritage and the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Join the celebration with performances, vendors, food and community connection. 🎟️ Get tickets here!

Thanks for reading! As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, let's give thanks for what makes Laurel truly special—a community that invests in itself, celebrates each other's wins, and shows up for neighbors in need. From 173 Blessing Baskets to new businesses choosing Laurel, we have so much to be grateful for.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful, restful Thanksgiving filled with good food, great company and grateful hearts!

Got an event, story tip or business we should feature? Just hit reply—I read every response.

See you next week!

— Mike Mondy
Founder, I❤️LAUREL

P.S. - Happy Thanksgiving, Laurel! And don't forget to move this email to your primary inbox so you never miss an edition!