NASHUA – If you could avoid long lines, huddling in a tent in freezing weather and getting swept up in the madness of Black Friday shopping at a mall or big-box store, would you do it?

Those who are interested in doing so have a viable alternative by participating in downtown Nashua’s first Plaid Friday event. This endeavor, which began in Oakland, California, is now in New Hampshire.

Great American Downtown Executive Director Paul Shea said the idea to bring Plaid Friday to Nashua came to him when he attended a conference in Keene featuring small business advocates and creative organizations to discuss different cities’ downtown programs.

“The folks from Monadnock Buy Local talked about having great success with their Plaid Friday traditions,” Shea said.

He learned that this tradition had been adopted in many New Hampshire communities: Keene and its surrounding areas, Portsmouth, Concord and others.

“We thought it was a very fun and exciting idea to give a try,” Shea said.

Plaid Friday will begin at 10 a.m. Friday and last until 5 p.m., though the hours of some businesses may vary, Shea said.

“It’s a great alternative to the frantic Black Friday shopping,” Shea said. “When people shop at local businesses, a much greater proportion of their shopping dollars stay local and strengthen the local economy. There will be a lot of great activities and discounts for people wearing plaid clothing.”

Shea said he expects more than 30 downtown shops and restaurants to participate in Plaid Friday. Many restaurants will be offering great discounts. A few examples include: Gauchos Brazilian Steakhouse is offering buy-one, get-one 50 percent off on all entrees; Martha’s Exchange is offering their burger and a beer for $10 deal they typically do on Mondays; Riverwalk Cafe will be offering discounts on food and drinks; and Fody’s Great American Tavern is offering the first glass of wine or beer for $1.

A full list of businesses participating can be found on Great American Downtown’s website, downtownnashua.org.

Those who wear plaid can take advantage of many deals. Shea said there will be complimentary snacks, various giveaways, fun activities and a total of 200 Plaid Friday tote bags filled with special discounts and various small gifts set for distribution.

“We believe this is a great opportunity to advocate for and support our small business economy,” Shea added.

The Telegraph, located at 110 Main St., will participate in Plaid Friday. Business hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Goodie bags through Great American Downtown will be distributed from 10 a.m. until they are gone.

Other features at The Telegraph during Plaid Friday include:

Buy-one, get-one free subscription specials for gift subscriptions;

Free holiday cookies and coffee;

A free selfie station;

A free spin on the prize wheel; and

Anyone who stops in wearing plaid gets a free ceramic mug or an extra free spin on the prize wheel.

Grace Pecci can be reached at 594-1243, or at gpecci@nashuatelegraph.com.