The shops, restaurants and businesses of downtown Fergus want to help people check their list – twice even.
On Dec. 16, the Fergus BIA is hosting its Shop Local, Shop Late event, where participating businesses will remain open until 9pm to offer a festive shopping experience.
“We are encouraging stores to have music, munchies, perhaps beverages, something to offer their customers,” said Jackie Fraser, chairman of the Fergus BIA.
She hopes the waterfall will be lit with coloured lights by then, but said that will be dependent on the weather.
“We are working on getting musicians to perform on the street and Santa will be out and about,” she said. “People can admire the tree outside the library, decorated by the library’s children groups.”
It is not just about the shopping for Fraser and her fellow BIA members; it is about creating an atmosphere of community and encouraging neighbours to support local business.
For last minute gift ideas, Fraser suggested people consider the Gift of Choice, a gift cheque program that operates like a gift certificate. Created in partnership with the Fergus Elora Retail Alliance, the communities’ BIAs and the township’s economic development department, the gift cheques offer a way to support local businesses.
“It’s the perfect gift for someone local who might be hard to buy for,” Fraser said. “Many of us are also selling the Gift of Choice gift cheques.”
The Gift of Choice is a prepaid bank cheque, issued and validated by Scotia Bank. Consumers can purchase them in $10 or $25 denominations and spend them at participating businesses throughout Centre Wellington.
“We have lots of unique gift ideas right here in town. There is no need to shop elsewhere,” Fraser said.
“Save gas. Save time. Shop local.”
For more information about this event, see the Inside Wellington feature section for participating retailers.
