Men's Night. Why is there a men's night? Because some men leave holiday shopping, or any shopping, to the last minute. According to The Good Men Project website, Canadian retail analyst David Gray said some men in North America, including him, have maybe put it off because they are "not fans of the shopping experience." 

Men's Night here in Boothbay Harbor (this year on Wednesday, Dec. 17) has been around since the mid to late 90s. There were, and still have been, outdoor grilled food and present wrapping to make it easier, and fun. But make no mistake: You do not have to be male to shop on Men's Night!

And many women are not fond of shopping, either. You may know a few, maybe even yourself!

And it isn't just for Christmas; Hanukkah begins Dec. 14 and ends Dec. 22; there are birthdays and anniversaries this month as well. Also, don't forget the wrapping paper, tape, ribbons and cards.

Look for what you need in these participating businesses, most of which will remain open until 8 p.m.: Harborside 1901, House of Logan (offering gift wrapping and shipping of items purchased there), sweet bay, China By the Sea, Janson's Clothing Store, Boathouse Bistro, Mung Bean, Nathan's, Coastal Maine Popcorn Co., Eventide Specialties, A Silver Lining, The Cannery, Sherman's, Brady's, Log Cabin Shoes, Smiling Cow/Gimbel's, and the Boothbay Register.

Supporting businesses are Harbor Realty, J. Edward Knight, Newcastle Realty, First Federal Savings & Loan, Bath Savings Institution and Tindal & Callahan Real Estate.