More than 70 Ballard businesses are participating Tuesdays in Ballard, a shopping campaign aimed at increasing sales in the neighborhood to help offset the impact from the recession.

The Tuesdays In Ballard campaign will hit full-swing today with activities for all ages, according to the organizers.

Building on the slogan, “Eat, Drink, Shop, Play,” which has been the mainstay of inballard.com Web site since 1998, the newly formed In Ballard Merchants Association (a 501(c)(6) organization) has crafted a campaign that allows each participating business to put its best foot forward each Tuesday with a special promotion, performance, or event.

“As a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, our goal is to provide an amazing shopping destination for our neighborhood and beyond,” said Inez Gray, founder of Habitude and Tuesdays In Ballard task force member. “June 30 is our launch day to show our neighbors what Tuesdays In Ballard will offer all summer long.”

Visitors can wander the neighborhood each Tuesday looking for the yellow Tuesdays In Ballard posters in the windows of participating merchants, visit the Web site www.inballard.com to learn about weekly offers, and pick up a free Tuesdays In Ballard walking map to plan their excursions.

Tuesdays In Ballard also has its own Facebook Fan page where attendees are encouraged to post pictures of their Ballard adventures and share tips with others.

Gray will move her salon’s services outside on June 30 at noon with complimentary treats - mini chair massages.

Many of then June 30 events are planned with kids on summer vacation in mind. Children’s footwear and clothing store Mon Petit Shoe will host a mini-carnival at its Market Street boutique. Face painting, balloon animals and carnival games with prizes will be available all day until 9 p.m.

Other June 30 events:

Market Street Traders will host a free sidewalk chalk drawing contest with a grand prize awarded the same day.

Ballard photographer Jay Dotson will be available to take pet pictures at All the Best Pet Care on from 2 to 9 p.m. That same day, the pet supply store will also host a pet psychic, a “tent full of kittens,” and a doggie ice cream social from 5 to 9 p.m.

Sonic Boom records will host the Born Anchors at 7 p.m. for a free all-ages in-store performance.

Zayda Buddy’s Pizza & Bar will host Tater Tot Tuesdays, giving away free Tater Tots with drink purchase and happy hour drink prices all day.

Volterra will offer "Meet our Winemaker" in their bar from 5 to 7 p.m. John Patterson, winemaker of Patterson Cellars, will present a pre-release of the restaurant’s 2006 Volterra Chardonnay. The price is $2 per taste.

Amateur bartenders will enjoy learning from how to make a signature cocktail from an expert mixologist at BalMar’s “Hands On Happy Hour” from 5 to 7 p.m. The restaurant will offer specially priced dishes and a trivia contest upstairs at 8 p.m.

Ray's Boathouse Executive Chef Peter Birk will give two tours of their Boathouse Kitchen at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Reservations recommended, please call (206) 789-3770 ext. 3.

For a detailed list of Tuesdays In Ballard June 30 happenings, parties and in-store specials, visit www.TuesdaysInBallard.com.

Check back tomorrow for a Tuesdays in Ballard video.