Top Five Ways To Make A Better Black Friday

MENTOR, OH -- Because of trends such as Cyber Week and increased online purchasing habits. the nature of Black Friday as the can't-miss, bargain-shopping-day-of-the-year is changing. The result is faster, easier bargain shopping that allows more time for entertainment and connecting with friends and family. The result is a better Black Friday.

Cyber Week, for instance, has transformed Black Friday into a week-long event that doesn't end until Cyber Monday. And, instead of waking up before dawn to hit the year's best deals in one, 24-hour-period, the trends are changing. Rather than battling for parking spaces at 4 a.m. at brick-and-mortar stores, people use Web sites such as BestBlackFriday.com. Bargain purchases are made, crowds are avoided and consumers can preserve precious time and energy.

Consequently, the day after Thanksgiving has a chance to transform into something better than Black Friday. With more free time, consumers can relax, make connections and form memories. In this spirit, then, below please find the top five ways to make a better Black Friday near Mentor.

1. Cavs Celebrate Black Friday at the Q
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Charlotte Hornets (Home)

Quicken Loans Arena
One Center Court
Cleveland, OH 44115

The Cavaliers (11-7) host the Charlotte Hornets (8-9) at Quicken Loans Arena for a Black Friday showdown. Tipoff from The Q is at 8:00 p.m. (ET). Check out Cyber Weekend ticket deals.

2. Sixth Annual “Cold Nose – Warm Art™” kids’ art exhibit and competition

Gallery One
7003 Center Street
Mentor, OH 44060
(440) 255-1200

Nov. 17 through Jan. 5, 2017, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

3. Candy Land has gone Wild!

Penitentiary Glen Reservation
8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road
Kirtland, OH 44094
(440) 358-7275

Northeast Ohio’s “wildest” holiday tradition continues this year. The Wild Days of Winter game is played just like the iconic board game Candy Land, but with a “natural twist.” An indoor magical wonderland brings this favorite family game to life. Take a turn on the life-sized game board, move along from space to space through all the seasons and discover through interactive play the many things that nature gives us. The exhibit opens at noon each day.

In addition, children will enjoy making a craft, completing activity pages and going on scavenger hunts both indoors and out. It’s wild fun for the whole family. Explore the park on snowshoes. Rentals of shoes designed to fit most sizes are available, weather permitting.

Special activities from 1p.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday afternoon during the exhibit. Wildlife Chats offered Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Free to all; all ages welcome. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & New Year’s Eve.

4. The Fine Arts Association's production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid

The Fine Arts Association
38660 Mentor Ave.
Willoughby, OH

A beautiful mermaid discovers love outside her underwater kingdom. To purchase tickets visit the Web site.

$25 adults; $23 seniors & students 11 years old and up; $15 children 10 yrs. & under, reserved seating

5. New Members Save at the Y on Black Friday & Cyber Monday

Lake County Central Y
933 Mentor Avenue
Painesville, OH 44077
(440) 352-3303

Special New Membership offer valid only on Black Friday, Nov. 24 or Cyber Monday, Nov. 27 from 5 a.m. –
8 p.m. online (www.lakecountymca.org), by phone or in person at the Lake County Central Y in Painesville (440-352-3303), West End Y in Willoughby (440-946-1160) and East End Y in Madison (440-428-5125).