NEWS RELEASE
DOWNTOWN STRATFORD BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA
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The Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area (BIA), announced today this year's downtown holiday program — Your Downtown Winter Wander-land! The event, organized and funded by the BIA, is made possible by the cooperation of merchants, shops, restaurants, and businesses of Downtown Stratford. The overall program runs from November 22 to December 23 and will feature the main event November 30 and December 1. Come downtown to experience fun early winter activities to get into the spirit of the season!
Shop, Dine & WIN with our Wander-land Passport
Sponsored by The Rock Shop & Rheo Thompson Candies**
- WIN BIG: $250, $150, or $100 in Downtown Dollars!
- The Winter Wander-land Passport starts November 22nd and runs until December 23rd. This features a number of downtown businesses that offer a validation sticker when you shop or dine - every purchase counts! Collect 8 stickers by making a purchase and enter to win one of 3 Downtown Dollar prizes. Participating stores will have posters in the window and an up-to-date list and further details can be found on our website.
- Drop passports off to Destination Stratford 47 Downie Street by Monday, December 23rd at 5pm. Draw will occur on December 23rd at 6pm.
The Winter Wander-land event on November 30th/December 1st will feature:
Ride the Polar Express around City Hall
Sponsored by On Stage Dance
- We are thrilled to be offering the all new Polar Express trackless train in Market Square. This elegant Wattman train is battery operated (good for the environment) and trackless, with a locomotive and 4 cars which can seat up to 18 children! This show stopper is equipped with both a smoke machine and a sound in motion system providing realistic sound effects and smoke from the chimney to give you the most authentic steam train engine experience ever! The train runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
Santa is coming to town!
Sponsored by Sutton Group
- Santa is setting up shop on his sleigh – to welcome kids of all ages throughout the Winter Wander-land weekend from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Get your cameras ready as your children (or pets) let Santa know if they’ve been naughty or nice.
- Bring your Letters to Santa addressed to: Santa Claus, North Pole, H0H 0H0, Canada and his elves will make sure they get delivered to the North Pole for Santa to read when he gets home.
Giant snow globe selfie booth
Sponsored by Strong Roots Insurance
- Step into our Giant Inflatable Snow Globe, with realistic blowing snow to help you capture the perfect Wander-land selfie.
Delicious treats at the firepits
- Our two toasty fire pit areas are back. Get cozy by the fireside and roast delicious rice krispie treats!
- On York Street
Sponsored by The Merchants of York Street and Orr Insurance - In Market Square
Sponsored by Shawn Malvern at WK Financial
- On York Street
Strolling holiday carollers
Sponsored by Alexandra J. Bignucolo Professional Corporation
- We’re delighted to welcome the Christmas Carollers. Prepare to listen or sing along to some of the most cherished holiday classics as they weave their way through the streets of downtown.
Yuletide cabins and festive food trucks at our charming winter food market
- Our Yuletide Cabins and Festive Food Trucks will be sprinkled throughout the square offering delicious fare and warm drinks for purchase.
- Curry Zone with their delicious Indian cuisine
- Alley Cat Cafe with hot chocolate, toys and cat accessories
- Great Wall Tea selling warm cups of tea
- Brch & Wyn with fresh-roasted coffee beverages and pastries
- Alondra Galvez with Mexican hot chocolate and authentic Mexican grub
- JENN & Larry’s Ice Cream with holiday peanut brittle
- Bru Garden with smash burgers and fries
- Features will be highlighting their fall-apart smoked turkey legs
Fresh cut Christmas trees and festive greenery
- You do not want to miss out on collecting all you need to decorate your home for the holidays!
- Fresh Christmas Tree Market by B&C Custom Landscaping
- Black Creek Flower Farm for seasonal greenery including wreaths, centerpieces, festive planters, fresh seasonal flowers - also perfect for hostess gifts
Al Fresco program
- A delightful addition to our Winter Food Market includes the chance to drink take-out alcohol beverages.
- The Stratford Al Fresco outdoor dining experience has expanded to year round, so you can dine outdoors with delicious takeout and accompanying drinks from participating Stratford restaurants.
Winter Wander-land artwork by George Burkholder
- George is a 16 year old artist, musician, and photographer from Mitchell who is very passionate about art and music and loves working on and growing his skills. Our digital art was a new endeavour and he is looking forward to any future commissions.
St. John Ambulance fundraising gift wrapping
- Bring your purchases to the Tourism Office at 47 Downie Street from Noon to 4:30 p.m. and let their merry band of wrappers take care of your holiday wrapping!
- The wrapping program is a real community effort. Recycled boxes from Wuerths, Stratford Family Eye Care and Avon Dental are collected by a gentleman supported by Community Living Stratford and Area. The gift wrapping is done, by donation, by people from Stratford Lakeside Active Adults, Community Living Stratford, businesses in town, students looking for community service hours, and a number of folks who love to wrap presents.
BIA is the gold sponsor of Lights on Stratford Installations in Market Square
- On December 13, to keep the festivities bright, beautiful, and interactive downtown, the BIA is the gold sponsor of not one but two Lights on Stratford activations in Market Square — “Emerge” and “Stargate.” Both installations can be experienced until January 19th.
Kim Giffiths, Membership and Animation Liaison for the BIA and Holiday Sub-Committee organizer states; “The committee has been working very hard for weeks planning, preparing, and thinking outside of the box to provide an inclusive experience all will enjoy.”
Jamie Pritchard, General Manager of the BIA adds, “ I am so impressed with the community collaboration to create and execute a program that will surprise and delight people of all ages this holiday season.” This year's Winter Wander-land is going to be one of the prime events you will not want to miss. Mark these dates on your calendar today and come wander through Your Downtown Winter Wander-land!
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