Trenton – When visiting downtown Trenton on the weekends this holiday season, visitors will find that fees at two parking garages will be waived.

The Trenton Parking Authority will eliminate weekend parking fees for two months, from November 21 through January 19, 2009 at the Liberty Commons garage, located at 16 East Front Street and at the Trenton Marriott at Lafayette Yard garage, located at 1 West Lafayette Street.

The waiver period will begin 5:00 p.m. on Fridays to 6:00 a.m. on Saturdays, although the Liberty Commons garage closes at 11:00 p.m. on Fridays, at midnight on Saturdays and 3:00 p.m. on Sundays.

"This temporary change is designed to promote access to downtown attractions and businesses,” said Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells. “During these tough economic times, the state of New Jersey continues to be as proactive as possible in helping businesses whenever possible.”

Besides finding the perfect holiday gift, over the next couple of weeks, many festive activities and events take place in the downtown area. With the annual Patriots Week scheduled, not to mention the New Jersey State Museum’s packed calendar of events for schools, individuals and families and the exciting shows at the neighboring Patriots Theater at the War Memorial, kick-off this holiday season with a focus on fun, friends and family in downtown Trenton.

To purchase tickets, contact the Patriots Theater at the War Memorial Box Office at (609) 984-8400; online at www.thewarmemorial.com or visit the Patriots Theater Box Office Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Patriots Theater at the War Memorial is located at 1 Memorial Drive in Trenton.

Just around the corner, the New Jersey State Museum has multiple exhibits and special events planned to celebrate the spirit of the holiday season. Continuing through January 11, in the Museum’s newly refurbished galleries is the reopening exhibition, Culture in Context: A Tapestry of Expression, exploring arts and craft traditions from around the world that have taken root in the Garden State. For more museum information, please call (609) 292-6464 or visit its website at www.newjerseystatemuseum.org.

For a number of alternate options for parking in downtown Trenton, please visit www.trentonparking.com.