On Dec. 2, the Marina Merchants Association (MMA), together with the S.F. Bay Guardian, presented the first ever "Sip, Snack & Shop" in the Marina. This kickoff to the holiday shopping season was a huge success, with 20 restaurants and 26 beverage sponsors partnered with matching retail locations. Hundreds of participants had an opportunity to sip, snack and shop their way on and off Chestnut Street, exploring our many unique neighborhood shops and restaurants. It was also a great opportunity to meet with and taste the offerings from many small artisan vintners, brewers and beverage producers like Chateau Potelle, Y. Rousseau, Brugal Rum, Haamoni, Honest Tea, and many more. Proceeds of the event benefitted the MMA in their efforts to promote the Marina neighborhood commercial district. Other partners included the Marina Community Association. Special thanks are due to event coordinator Liz Brusca and her group, the Spinsters of San Francisco, who helped make this a successful event. Most important, on the first Thursday in December, Chestnut Street was filled with happy shoppers, reveling in the season, shopping locally, and sharing in good cheer!