The holiday season has arrived on the West Coast and Ucluelet’s businesses are ready to ring up some roaringly festive cheer for local shoppers to revel in.
The town’s annual Midnight Madness festivities will light up the night on Friday, Nov 26 with over 30 local businesses signed up to participate by staying open late and offering huge savings.
“It’s going to be a fantastic night. It’s a celebration of our local shops,” Ucluelet chamber of commerce common ground market manager Seika Anderson told the Westerly News, noting the event has been a cherished fixture on Ucluelet’s holiday calendar since the 1980’s. “It supports our local economy and keeps our money where our heart is…Most of our business owners are long term locals who support community events and our community teams and when we support them, in turn, they support the community.”
She said shopping locally reduces carbon footprints by cutting down on goods being shipped in from online purchases and she added Ucluelet’s merchants “absolutely” have everything shoppers need to guarantee good tidings to all.
“You can get everything from stocking stuffers to gifts for your parents, your grandparents and for the kids,” she said. “Another thing you can do to support local is to give the gift of experiences through outdoor adventures. There’s definitely something for everyone in our shops.”
Diane Rudge of The Den is excited to be participating in her third straight Midnight Madness event.
“It’s just a really nice event for locals to go out and support all the great businesses in town and to see the community come together for an evening,” she said.
“Midnight Madness is awesome because it supports small businesses and it gets the community together and helps people show their love for one another,” said Maya Loranger of Zoe’s Bakery and Cafe.
Zane Nilson of Ukee Dogs is anticipating a busy night of celebration.
“It’s a blast. Everyone has a great time,” he said. “It’s just great having everyone out and getting together, going around, seeing all your friends and getting your shopping done early in the season.”
Anderson added that the chamber officially launched a ‘Love Local’ loyalty card program on Nov. 22 that involves shoppers receiving a stamp on their card when they make a purchase from a local business and anyone who reaches 15 stamps is entered to win “amazing local prizes.”
She said ‘Love Local’ cards are available at participating businesses and the sweepstakes will run until Dec. 12.
“The more cards you submit, the better your chances are to win a prize,” she said.
andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
READ MORE: Europe’s Christmas markets warily open as COVID cases rise
READ MORE: 45 per cent prepared to ditch social distancing at holiday gatherings: poll
READ MORE: Canadians to spend big on holidays, return to shopping malls, multiple surveys find