By Chris Cassidy
SALEM — Visitors will get an early Christmas present from the city this year.
No, not a bailout package.
Drivers can park for free in the city's two garages and the gated Church Street parking lot on the day after Thanksgiving and every weekend from that point through the rest of the winter.
The city is hoping the prospect of saving some quarters and avoiding a stack of costly orange parking tickets will help convince visitors to enjoy a day of shopping in the downtown this holiday season.
Parking will also be free on the days before and after Christmas.
The free parking doesn't apply to meters, but the South Harbor and Museum Place garages have a combined capacity of more than 1,000 vehicles.
Also, Salem Main Streets has posted an online downtown shopping guide on its Web site at www.salemmainstreets.org
It is also giving visitors a chance to win a "Sweetheart Package" that includes dinner and an overnight stay at the Hawthorne Hotel when they view the online shopping guide.
