BY CAROLINE SELLE AND REBECCA BENNETT — On Wednesday, Dec. 3, Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot toured a handful of the small businesses located in Hyattsville’s Arts District to kick off his Shop Maryland for the Holidays tour.

“The purpose of the statewide tour is to encourage Marylanders to shop locally as it keeps taxpayer dollars in residents’ communities and supports Maryland’s critical retail sector,” Franchot’s office said.

The tour began at Big Bad Woof, included Busboys and Poets, Yes! Organic Market, Franklins Restaurant and Brewery, then ended at Arrow Bicycle, where the Comptroller met with business owners and other local officials.

From the City of Hyattsville, Franchot was accompanied on his tour by Hyattsville City Council President Candace Hollingsworth (Ward 1), Councilmember Clay Williams (Ward 5), Councilmember Joseph Solomon (Ward 5), Councilmember Robert Croslin (Ward 2), City Administrator Tracey Nicholson, Assistant City Administrator Jim Chandler, Police Chief Douglas Holland and City Clerk Laura Reams.

Maryland Retailers Association President Patrick Donoho and Prince George’s County Register of Wills Cereta Lee also joined the tour.