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Ellicott City Holds Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, Shops Re-Open For Small Business Saturday

ELLICOTT CITY, Md (WJZ) -- It's been nearly four months since a deadly flood devastated historic Ellicott City. Main Street officially re-opened on Saturday, just in time for Small Business Saturday. Local leaders including Senator Ben Cardin and Congressman Elijah Cummings, along with area business owners, lead the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Local leaders including Senator Ben Cardin and Congressman Elijah Cummings, along with area business owners, lead the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Crowds of hundreds lined the sidewalks on Saturday and shopped at the more than 40 local stores and restaurants now open for business.

"Since we started the whole process, we've had volunteers. There were some days though when it was a struggle and I didn't know if I could get up and go another day. But then, people would stop by and they'd pick me up and they'd say 'Can we help you? Is there anything we can do?' and that's what carried me through," said Brenda Franz, shop owner of Attic Antiques 'N Things on Main Street.

It's been a long road to recovery, but stores have slowly been reopening since October. More than 70 restaurants, shops, galleries and offices have re-opened in Ellicott City over the past four months.

RELATED: Uphill Battle For Ellicott City In Post-Flood Recovery

Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman is encouraging everyone to come and shop in Ellicott City to help the business owners get back on their feet.

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