The brilliant glow of Christmas lights has overtaken City Hall Park. Despite the unfortunate cancellation of the Biggest Christmas Tree Festival, City Hall Park is now aglow with a spectacular lighting display that is sure to impress. The City of Red Deer takes pride in the annual display, which is surely one of the most spectacular light displays you will see this holiday season. Come on downtown and check out the beautiful holiday display in City Hall Park.
In yesterday's City Council Capital budget discussions, Council approved the 2011 capital budget, complete with some exciting news for the downtown. Councillors have decided to move forward with a significant upgrade to the downtown through initiatives proposed through the Gaetz Avenue Revitilization Plan. Council sees the future of the downtown as vibrant, dynamic, and pedestrian friendly, with the project focus being to implement a streetscape for the downtown that is both unique and focused on pedestrian movement.
Those interested in authentic latin american dining have a new option in the downtown, La Esperanza. La Esperanza opened 3 weeks ago, at 5020 50th Street, and is offering authentic Latin American dishes, such as tacos, pupusas, enchiladas, tamales, quesadillas and more. Stop in for lunch and check out the downtowns newest eatery.
The downtown Sorensen transit station and parking garage is abou
t to become home to Red Deer's tenth "ghost". The ghosts of Red Deer are bronze statues of prominent figures of Red Deer's past. It has been roughly ten years since the last ghost statue, of Mickey the beaver and Doris Forbes.
Due to the unwelcoming weather conditions, the Biggest Tree Festival and Parade that was scheduled for Tuesday November 23 has been cancelled.
The Downtown Business Association (DBA) held its annual meeting Thursday, November 18th on the 11th floor of Executive Place. Those attending heard a report on downtown activities and successes over the past year and plans for the future.
A small reminder that due to the Biggest Christmas Tree Festival and Christmas Parade, there will be some major road closures in the downtown on the afternoon of November 23.
Ross Street will be closed between 47th Avenue and 48th Avenue from 4:30 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Meanwhile, 48th Avenue will be closed between 49th Street and Ross Street from 6:15 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Ross Street will be closed between 48th Avenue and 49th Avenue from 6:15 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Spectators are reminded that parking is free downtown after 5 p.m.
We hope to see everyone out tommorow for the Biggest Tree Festival, which will be taking place, weather permitting to - 25 degrees.
Attention all visual artists! There are a few opportunities available for public displays upcoming in the downtown.
Cafe Pichlingue and The Velvet Olive, two downtown hot spots, are looking for artists interested hosting exhibitions for 2011. Each space holds approximately 8 - 12 pieces and shows run for a month. If you are interested in having a show talk to Penny Elliot at 403-346 0812.
Also, the Red Deer Arts Council has completed the renovations of their new office, and are looking for artists who may want to display their works for a short period. If you are interested in having some art displayed in the Arts Council office, call Diana Anderson at 403-348-ARTS (2787).
With the dropping temperatures and falling snow, it is important to recognize the importance of removing the snow and ice from the sidewalks in front of your business. Walking around the downtown is easier and more enjoyable when all businesses have clean sidewalks. It is also a requirement through City of Red Deer bylaw. Everyone should be keeping up on snow and ice removal to keep the downtown easily accessible for pedestrians and to ensure it is kept looking beautiful and safe all winter.
The Red Deer Downtown Business Association will hold its Annual Meeting on November 18th. Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) ratepayers and those interested in the downtown are invited to attend.
The meeting will be held on the 11th floor of Executive Place on November 18th, beginning at 6:30 pm. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to network, learn about the activities of the association and receive an update on downtown initiatives.
