Q: What's better than free parking in downtown Annapolis?

A: Free parking that comes with prizes.

If rising parking rates have kept you from visiting downtown Annapolis lately, then Friday is your chance to shop, dine and let Patch pay for the parking.

We have paid for ALL the parking meters on Main Street from City Dock to Church Circle starting at 4:30 p.m. Friday and lasting until the meters turn off at 8:30 p.m.

I'm not kidding.

Normal two-hour parking limits still apply.

Patch partnered with Mainstreets Annapolis Partnership for this event, and we're hoping the afternoon will encourage you to shop locally, give us a chance to tell you about our mission and, most importantly, hear your input: comments, criticisms and suggestions. 

In addition to free parking, Patch will have a table with prizes and giveaways set up at the Pocket Park at 122 Main St. All you'll need to do is sign up for our free, daily newsletter (if you haven't already) and we'll send you on your way with plenty of swag and maybe even some discounts to area businesses.

I am personally going to be jealous of the person that walks away with the Patagonia backpack prize.

Do us a favor and share the news of our free parking with your friends and family. Even better: Tell someone who has never heard of Annapolis Patch to come down and find out what we're all about. We'll take care of the rest.