Downtown Barrie gets into holiday spirit
Author: Leigh Blenkhorn
Date: Nov 09, 2007
Holiday festivities are already underway in downtown Barrie.
There are numerous events are planned to celebrate the season including the annual window-decorating contest, tree-lighting ceremony and Santa Claus Parade.
Danielle Ballagh from Downtown Barrie BIA, said the city’s downtown has something to offer for the entire family.
“It’s just a great kick-off to the holiday season. Bring your family downtown. It’s a festive evening, you can stroll the streets,” she said. “We are trying to make downtown Barrie a shopping destination for families to come out and enjoy.”
Once again, included in the celebrations is the annual downtown tree ornament.
The 2007 ornament is the image of the “Grand Old Opera House”, which was located on Collier Street and built in 1895.
“We always like to try and pick something historical. We like to pick something that isn’t necessarily downtown, but is about the history of Barrie,” said Ballagh. “It’s timely because the new parking garage is coming in and there has been so much change on Collier Street right now, so its kind of interesting, the old and the new.”
The festivities have already kicked off with the retail window-decorating contest underway.
“Already Michael Smiley (Fine Jewellery) has his window decorated and it’s gorgeous, and Our House has their Christmas window up,” said Ballagh. “It’s nice to see people and the interesting things they come up with in their window decorating.”
The annual tree-lighting ceremony will be held Nov. 23 starting at 6 p.m. at Memorial Square.
Santa will lead the countdown to the tree-lighting event, which will be followed by The Magic of Winter light display in Heritage Park.
The winner of the retail window-decorating contest will be announced at the event.
The night will also include a fireworks display over the waterfront.
Barrie’s 11th annual Santa Claus Parade will take place Nov. 24 starting at 5 p.m.
The theme for this year’s parade is, It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.
The parade is once again presented by the Greater Barrie Chamber of Commerce.
The route has not yet been finalized, due to downtown construction projects.
A new event this year, is the Downtown Barrie Open House, which will run between Dec. 7 and 16.
Participating stores will remain open during scheduled times making it more convenient for shoppers.
“It’s so there is ease of shopping,” said Ballagh. “So people aren’t going to come down here and not be able to get what they need. If there is one week of consistent hours, it will help the shoppers.”
Merchants are asked to stay open until 8 p.m. on weekdays, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
“We are planning on having Santa available, for families to bring their cameras and have their pictures taken with Santa on the Saturday the 8th and 15th.”
For more information visit www.downtownbarrie.ca.
Downtown Barrie Holiday Events
Nov. 23 - Tree Lighting Ceremony. 6 p.m.
Nov. 24 - Santa Clause Parade. 5 p.m.
Dec. 7-16 - Open House.
