Park on Mill Valley Patch's Dime Downtown Friday Afternoon

Mill Valley Patch turns two later this month and we're embracing our toddler-hood by paying it forward and picking up the parking tab downtown for four hours on Friday afternoon.

We're paying for dozens of parking meters downtown in and around the , including adjacent sections of Miller and Throckmorton avenues, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, June 8. In doing so, we're hoping to encourage shopping locally, tell you about our mission and, most importantly, hear your input: comments, criticisms and suggestions.

The rationale for us is simple: the , which also turns two this year, has made it easier for residents to shop downtown and not feed the meters. But there are still plenty of people who have to scramble for change 7 days a week to shop and do errands downtown.

So we're picking up the tab in the hopes that you'll stop by and say hello to me, editor Jim Welte, and a number of local and regional Patch staff members. We'll be handing out Patch swag — bubbles, pens, magnets, water bottles, canvas shopping bags, t-shirts and more, as well as offering discounts during that time to a number of downtown businesses, including and .

Just look for our green Patch T-shirts, meter covers, tents and balloons. All you'll need to do is sign up for our free daily newsletter and we'll send you on your way with plenty of swag and discounts.

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

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