LA GRANDE — A peaceful serenity replaces the usual day traffic on the first Thursday of each month as you walk sidewalks embellished with light, hearing the laughter from children and adults.

This is “Sip, Shop, Repeat,” a monthly event organized by the Union County Chamber of Commerce on the first Thursday of each month, 5-8 p.m. Every month is a different theme, but the purpose is to promote local businesses and bring the community together.

The next event is Thursday, Feb. 2. The evening begins at the Chamber, 207 Depot St., where participants purchase a tumbler for a $20 donation.

That tumbler is then presented to businesses on the list, who often offer discounts or promotion in addition to a snack or drink.

“A little of something for everyone,” Chamber Executive Director Scott Newman said.

The event started in April 2022 and sold over 400 tumblers during the rest of the year, with 25 shops regularly participating. Depot Street is closed in the summer, and pop-up vendors from all over Union County line each side of the road. Members of the Chamber of Commerce are free to set up a tent; non-members are also welcome with a small donation.

For more information, businesses and shoppers may visit the website https://linktr.ee/travelunioncountyoregon, social media group Facebook.com/TravelUnionCounty, email Info@visitunioncounty.org or call 541-963-8588.

Not far from the Chamber Office is a shop called Faerie Beads & Treasures. This store, owned by a mother-daughter team, has been a part of La Grande’s community for 16 years. Upon entering, you will be greeted with a warm and genuine smile by Hannah Rose or her mother, Phyllis.

During the “Sip, Shop, Repeat” nights, Faerie Beads & Treasures offers a 20% discount for participants and rose quartz water infused with “love, light and universal healing,” Hannah Rose said.

The shop features beads, crystals, rocks, large geodes in the shape of fairy wings, a cave and custom beadwork. The mother-daughter duo put “intentions” or prayers into every custom piece they make — love, light, joy, beauty, truth, prosperity, vitality, health and peace, to name a few.

Themes

Each month, the Chamber chooses a theme for Sip, Shop, Repeat. February’s is Groundhog Day.

Looking ahead, themes are St. Patrick’s Day; Easter Parade; May the Fourth Be With You; Schools Out Sunglasses On; Red, White and Blue; Hot Summer Nights; Football Jersey; Oktoberfest; Be Thankful; and Christmas.