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Festival puts focus on businesses

High Country communities are putting the spotlight on their businesses to attract crowds of people to their streets for a day of shopping.
Nine-month-old Quinn Cochlin looks in wonder at Santa Claus while big brother Liam, 3, poses for a photograph at Light-Up Black Diamond in 2014. This year’ s festival
Nine-month-old Quinn Cochlin looks in wonder at Santa Claus while big brother Liam, 3, poses for a photograph at Light-Up Black Diamond in 2014. This year’ s festival takes place on Dec. 5.

High Country communities are putting the spotlight on their businesses to attract crowds of people to their streets for a day of shopping.

Turner Valley is hosting its Home(made) for the Holidays event, featuring Christmas markets and local shopping, followed by Light-Up Black Diamond with hay rides, carolers, a nativity scene and opportunities to browse local shops with deals, treats and refreshments on Dec. 5.

“The whole idea is they can do some of their Christmas shopping in the morning at the markets that feature locally-produced, locally-made products and services and go over to Light-Up Black Diamond and enjoy the festivities at night,” said Monique LeBlanc, Turner Valley assistant chief administrative officer. “It’s a partnership between the two communities. It’s something we really try to work together on to ensure we’re maximizing the opportunities to draw more people to our local merchants.”

The High Country SPCA Christmas Market fundraiser will kick off the festivities in Turner Valley with homemade crafts and gifts created by local artisans at the Flare ‘n’ Derrick Community Hall from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Diamond Valley Market will take place next door at the Sheep River Library from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Youngsters can get their photos taken with Santa Claus from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The festivities in Black Diamond take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. along Main Street and Government Road. There will be bonfires, roaming carolers, wagon rides, free skating at the Scott Seaman Arena from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and a scavenger hunt through local businesses.

“All the businesses are open late and have free goodies, specials and entertainment,” said Quinn Page, Black Diamond’s economic development manager. “Some businesses that are more off the beaten path have chosen to collaborate with some of the businesses on Main Street so that they can still be a part of the event. I think this is a good celebration of our local community.”

At the Griffiths Community Centre adults and children can enter colouring contests for prizes and vote on gingerbread houses created by local businesses.

Santa Claus will be at the four-way stop, or in the Griffiths Community Centre in the event of colder temperatures, for children to get their photos taken with for free.

Those wanting to see lights and decorations in the town’s residential area can hop on a bus for a free tour. Residents are encouraged to turn on their lights and put up their displays for the night.

Turner Valley coun. Barry Crane will act as the town crier, wandering the streets announcing everything that’s going on at various locations around town.

“We get people from Turner Valley and Black Diamond and all of the surrounding areas,” said Page.“We often get people driving out from the city.”

Page said the combined events are a great way to support local businesses and make shopping fun for visitors and residents while getting them into the holiday spirit.

“Our businesses are an integral part of our community fabric, especially in terms of our economic development,” she said. “It’s important to support our local businesses so they can thrive in this community, not just survive in this community.

It opens up opportunity for us to look at business investment, business attraction and providing the resources so that they are able to thrive here.”

Many merchants extend their business hours specifically for the event, said Page.

“It allows people the opportunity to feel comfortable visiting some of the stores they don’t always go in,” she said. “They get to see some of our businesses from a new perspective.

The businesses offering activities, goodies and specials combined with the wagon rides and bus tour of lights and free skating creates a lot of energy and enthusiasm throughout the community.”

The Towns and Diamond Valley Chamber of Commerce worked together to get businesses on board for the day of festivities.

“We’re just happy to do what we can with the businesses to get them fired up,” said chamber vice-president Lainey Luft. “Light-Up has always been a great event with both the towns. It’s a big draw, especially for the businesses on main street. There’s just that spirit of Christmas where everybody seems to be in a good mood. It’s got that old time Christmas feel to it.”

For more information go to turnervalley.ca or town.blackdiamond.ca

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