HOLiDAZZLE to put the “Dazzle” in Historic Downtown Durango

Posted on Dec 1, 2010

HOLiDAZZLE to put the “Dazzle” in Historic Downtown Durango

BID marketing program designed to boost revenues during the holidays

More than 30 events or activities will be part of the sixth annual HOLiDAZZLE, the community celebration organized by the Durango Business Improvement District (BID), with support of the City of Durango and Durango Area Tourism Office, to encourage locals and visitors alike to make merry and experience the holidays Durango-style.

Beginning with the Singing with Santa caroling procession and Holiday Tree Lighting on Nov. 26, and continuing through New Year’s Eve, Durango’s HOLiDAZZLE offers up a “dazzling,” magical variety of festivities for children of all ages. [A complete listing of events as of Nov. 16 follows this release.]

To encourage local shopping, more than 50 Downtown merchants are offering opportunity gift drawings ranging in value from $25 to $350. Participating merchants will be sporting the festive “red” posters in their shop windows, inviting shoppers to register. The prize drawings will be held Dec. 23. Winners will be notified by phone.

Merchants will also do their part to put the dazzle in HOLiDAZZLE with the Window Decorating competition. Representatives of the BID will select the winners on Noel Night, Dec. 3, and those sporting the best decorations will receive a $50 gift certificate to one of five local restaurants for their efforts.

“Many of our merchants go all out with their window decorations,” said Pam Glasco, BID community relations coordinator. “The shop lights coupled with the decorated trees along the streets make a winter evening in Durango magical.”

Within the umbrella of HOLiDAZZLE, Noel Night on Dec. 3 is set as the largest, one-day/evening shopping event. Organized by Local First, the non-profit entity that encourages local sustainability, Noel Night coordinates Downtown merchants to offer sales, specials or drawings throughout the day, extend their evening hours and include refreshments or entertainment. Live music and additional entertainment coordinated by Local First will also be scattered throughout Downtown public areas, furthering the festivities on Dec. 3.

“To improve access to the events and our great shopping opportunities in Downtown, the City of Durango is also offering extended free parking Nov. 25-28, as well as Dec. 3-5,” said Bob Kunkel, BID acting executive director. “We want to do all we can to encourage folks to come on down and to ‘Look Local First.'”

Kunkel references the “Look Local First” La Plata County loyalty campaign funded by the Durango Chamber of Commerce and designed to encourage shoppers to enhance the local economy by spending their dollars at home instead of on the internet or in other cities.

“When purchases are made outside the county, lost tax revenue occurs,” said Jack Llewellyn, Chamber director alluding to what economists call “retail leakage.” “Monies lost are the funds that provide for road improvements, create recreational programs and enhance the overall quality of life in the area. And second, leakage hurts the economic vibrancy, hitting local businesses in the wallet and forcing them to make cutbacks in their workforce, inventory and business hours.”

The “Be Local” coupon book, featuring hundreds of discount coupons from businesses throughout Durango, is now on sale at various independent retailers, but will also be available on Noel Night at the Downtown Visitor’s Kiosk located in the 700 block of Main Ave.

To keep current on all HOLiDAZZLE activities, community members are encouraged to watch for the advertising inserts in the Durango Herald.

“Anyone who says we don’t have a lot going on in Durango for the holidays hasn’t been paying attention,” said Kunkel.

For further information, visit www.downtowndurango.org or call, 970.375.5067.

The Durango Business Improvement District was formed in 1997 with a goal and mission to support businesses within the District by assisting with special event marketing, providing research on topics of concern to the District (facilities, special events, best practices), planning and development of new facilities, and providing capital budget for equipment that enhances business in the District. Funding is generated by a 1.5 mill levy on property owners within the district, with additional marketing dollars contributed by the City of Durango and Durango Area Tourism Office. BID Board members are John Wells, presiding officer; Bob Allen, Karen Barger, Rod Barker and Tim Wheeler.

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HOLiDAZZLE Events as of Nov. 16, 2010:

November 25 – 28

FREE All-Day Parking Downtown for Shoppers

HOLiDAZZLE to put the “Dazzle” in Historic Downtown Durango

HOLiDAZZLE to put the “Dazzle” in Historic Downtown Durango

BID marketing program designed to boost revenues during the holidays

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HOLiDAZZLE to put the “Dazzle” in Historic Downtown Durango

HOLiDAZZLE to put the “Dazzle” in Historic Downtown Durango

BID marketing program designed to boost revenues during the holidays

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