The annual Sundown in Sundre event serves as an incentive for residents to shop locally while at the same time providing the community with an opportunity to celebrate the season, said an organizer.
“The main idea is to encourage people to shop locally for Christmas,” said Monica St.Dennis, an executive member of the Sundre and District Chamber of Commerce, which puts on the event.
Participating merchants stay open later and have special offers or discounts throughout Sundown in Sundre, which takes place this Friday (Dec. 4).
“There are some good deals to be had that night.”
Getting people to boost the local economy by spending in town for Christmas is a large part of Sundown in Sundre, but there's a lot more to it than that.
“For me, it's more of a community kind of celebration for the holidays.”
The real highlight for adults, parents and chamber members “is seeing the kids light up when Santa arrives.”
That takes place at 5 p.m. at the baseball diamonds behind River Valley School.
But there are plenty more activities planned around town and at the Sundre Community Centre.
The Cookie Walk takes place from 4 - 8 p.m. at the Sundre Museum, the lighting of the Tree of Hope takes place at 6:30 p.m. at the Sundre hospital, and the community centre is where the Festival of Wreaths and Christmas Bazaar will take place, as well as free photos with Santa along with face painting, cookie decorating and wagon rides. The Festival of Wreaths runs from 4 -10 p.m., and residents can bid on their favourite wreath. The bazaar runs from 5 - 9 p.m. The free photos with Santa, face painting, cookie decorating and wagon rides go from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. From 5 - 6 p.m., Move Yourself Dance will also be performing. Most retailers will be keeping their doors open until 10 p.m.
The community events have been held at the Sundre Elks Hall in the past, but organizers decided this year to relocate to the community centre, which offers more room for all the activities, she said.
As in previous years, the chamber merchant passport is back.
“It's only applicable to chamber members.”
Shoppers can get a merchant passport at a participating business, and get stamps after making purchases at chamber member retailers. There are three prizes up for grabs — the first being a “stay and play” compliments of the Sundre Best Western and the Sundre Golf Course, second being a cedar topped picnic table donated by Mike and Adam Beukeboom and third being a $100 IGA gift card courtesy of the local grocery store.
“This year what we have that's exciting and new is the Taste of Sundre.”
Similar to the merchant passport, the Taste of Sundre features a restaurant passport with seven participating locations. Customers visit each of the participating locations and for $5 get a sample plate along with a stamp. Once the passport has been stamped at each participating location, it can be dropped off at the community centre until 10 p.m., she said. People who take part in and complete the Taste of Sundre passport are entered for a chance to win $175 in gift cards to the participating restaurants.
“We're trying to make it better and better every year,” she said about Sundown in Sundre.
Last year was her first time attending the event.
“It was great. I love that season — people are so happy. It's nice to see people out with their families and in that spirit.”
Sundown in Sundre is a really great night when adults can spend some time with their children while getting the chance to do some shopping and prepare for their holidays, she said.
“I'm very excited!”
