Christmas celebration brightens BRZ’s shop local message

By Ry Clarke - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on November 26, 2022.

Herald photo by Ry Clarke People line-up for a chance to wish a Merry Christmas to old Saint Nick and find out if they have been naughty or nice during the ceremonial lighting of the tree Thursday night in Festival Square.

Lethbridge’s downtown Festival Square was alight with Christmas cheer Thursday night with the official lighting of a massive 20-foot tree.

Hosted by Downtown Lethbridge Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) attendees were treated to a visit from Santa Claus, along with musical accompaniment by LCI’s Jazz Band Choir, and the Southern Accord Choral Singers. Taking in the festive lights with hot chocolate and cookie making thanks to Cookie Crimes, the night kicked off the holiday season for the downtown core.

With the Square opening in June 2022, the lighting was the first Christmas event to be held on the new market plaza.

“Not only are we lighting up Festival Square, but we are also kicking off our big downtown holiday giveaway,” said Sarah Amies, executive director of the BRZ. “This initiative encourages shopping at any of the downtown shops, where shoppers can take a photograph of their receipt and submit it to our online forum for a chance to win the grand prize of $500 in a downtown shopping spree, along with other prizes.”

Looking to prompt local shopping this holiday season, the BRZ encourages shoppers to think at home when checking over their holiday shopping list.

“Once folks are down on 6th Street they will spread out and check out the other shops that are on 4th and 5th, all the way down to 9th,” said Amies. “There is a lot of opportunities.”

With many small local businesses experiencing the struggle with the economy, the BRZ is hoping the promotion will help towards awareness.

“You contribute to the generation of new jobs,” said Amies. “Small local businesses are the largest employers nationally, with more jobs in the local community. When you shop local you invariably find that the customer service is better too. You enable local business owners to further invest in the community’s welfare and future. Shopping local generates greater competition and diversity, leading to more consumer choice in the marketplace.”

Shopping local not only helps with economy, it helps toward reducing negative environmental impacts.

“When you shop locally you generate local economic stimulus,” said Amies. “When you shop local you reduce your carbon footprint and help cut down on pollution. Local businesses often source their products from local manufacturers and growers, helping reduce long distance logistics with fossil fuels. Along with helping ensure local farms and agricultural strive.”

With holiday cheer abuzz in Festival Square, the lighting of the tree instilled yuletide spirit into all in attendance.

“We hope to see lots of people coming down and enjoying the downtown this holiday season,” said Amies.

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