Get into the spirit downtown Thursday evening

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION

************************* Holiday season kicks off in the Downtown this Thursday evening (November 15, 2011) - The official kick-off to the holiday season takes place this Thursday, November 17 along Queen Street East in the Downtown.

Queen Street East will be open to traffic and many stores and restaurants open late.

This evening will also feature the return of a popular scavenger-type of game as well as other "firsts." A tree-lighting ceremony will take place in front of the Courthouse at 6:30 p.m. with a sing-along provided prior to and following the ceremony by the Summit Band and Bethel Choir.

As part of this program, the Crime Stoppers Downtown Patrol will also be introduced.

This initiative was created in response to the concerns brought forth by members of the Downtown Association and the general public.

It is a project of Crime Stoppers and the Sault College justice studies program along with the Sault Police Services, Station Mall and the Downtown Association. The Scout About Challenge is back and this time the focus is on Dining in the Downtown!

Collect stamps from all five participating businesses and become eligible to win $75 gift certificates from Muio’s Restaurant, Panna Bar and Grill and Solo Trattoria plus $75 in Gourmet to Go ingredients from City Meat Market and two tickets to the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site’s “Christmas dinner in the Summer kitchen.”

One winner takes all and the total value is approximately $400.

A great way to jump-start your Christmas shopping or indulge yourself in Downtown dining. Two dozen Downtown businesses are showing the true meaning of welcome by raffling off wreaths in the first “Wreath Walk.”

Fill out a ballot and maybe you’ll bring home a bit of Downtown décor to your home!

No purchase necessary, must be over 18 years of age.

Participating businesses have posted a wreath sign in their window. Winners of the Scout About Challenge and the wreaths will be posted on the Downtown Association’s website and Facebook page (Sault Downtown Association) on Friday, November 18. For a complete listing of the many events that will be held in the Downtown this Thursday evening, please go to the Downtown Association’s online links.

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