It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas in the downtown.  The Biggest Christmas Tree Festival & Parade was held last week and now City Hall Park and the big tree are adorned with festive lighting.  The Downtown Business Association has again provided Christmas Ambassadors.  This year we have three carollers sharing their musical cheer, strolling throughout downtown and in and out of shops and businesses.

The Downtown Business Association once again partnered with the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation's Festival of Trees to help raise funds for the creation of a new Colorectal Screening Clinic.  The Festival of Trees provides a number of mini-trees to downtown business who design, adorn and donate the trees for raffle.  The community then has an opportunity to support this great cause and perhaps win a beautiful tree.  Raffle tickets are sold at participating business locations.

We applaud the following businesses who participated:  Bareskin Wellness, Canadian Western Bank, Crop Hair Boutique, Hempire, housewarmings, The Hub, The Prairie Chick, Red Deer Goldsmiths, Rob Rae Clothiers and the Royal Bank of Canada.

Join Santa Claus on November 24, 2009 in downtown Red Deer for the Biggest Tree Festival and Parade. Supported by the theme Christmas Around the World, this year’s parade will feature floats and live entertainment and will help to kick off the 2009 Festival of Trees.

Event details are as follows:

When: November 24, 2009 at 6:15pm
Where: Downtown Red Deer – the parade will run south on 48th Avenue to Ross Street, and then west to 49th Avenue.

The evening will kick off with the lighting of the trees in City Hall Park at 6pm, parade to follow at 6:15pm and end at City Hall Park for the Biggest Christmas Tree Festival and lighting of the biggest Christmas Tree.

For more information contact:

Jennifer Blair
Chairperson, Biggest Tree
403.343.4773

A town hall session to address issues in the downtown core will be held following the Downtown Business Association Annual General Meeting on November 18.  The town hall will be hosted by the S.A.F.E. Downtown Initiative, a new City taskforce established to respond to challenges and work towards a more vibrant and S.A.F.E. (Sustainable • Active • Friendly • Economically-viable) downtown.

Chaired by Mayor Morris Flewwelling, the task force envisions our downtown as a pedestrian-friendly people place, thriving and alive with culture and entertainment, unique shops and eateries.  “We desire a clean, safe, attractive and engaging residential and commercial district that is welcoming and respectful for all,” said Mayor Flewwelling.  “The town hall session is the first step in ensuring our downtown is a source of civic pride and a desired destination for residents and visitors. “

The town hall will be held:

When: Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Time: 7 p.m.
Downtown Business Association Annual Meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the same location
Where: Red Deer Lodge (4311 49 Ave), Waskasoo A Ballroom
Hors d’oeuvres and cash bar
RSVP: Janice at 403-340-8696 or info@downtownreddeer.com

“This town hall begins an open dialogue with the community regarding a vision for Red Deer’s downtown,” said Mayor Flewwelling. “It is absolutely critical the taskforce receives public input so they can develop meaningful plans forward.”
 

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 in the Waskasoo ‘A’ Ballroom of the Red Deer Lodge on Wednesday, November 18th, beginning at 6:30pm.  Those in attendance will have an opportunity to network and learn about the activities of the association.  “Our Annual Meeting allows the Board to connect with downtown businesses.   We value their input and their great ideas,” says Al Gamble, Downtown Business Association Chair.

The Downtown’s Annual Meeting will be followed by a Town Hall Meeting hosted by the S.A.F.E. Downtown Initiative, a new City taskforce created to respond to safety and security challenges and work towards a more S.A.F.E. (Sustainable • Active • Friendly • Economically-viable) downtown.

Chaired by Mayor Morris Flewwelling, the taskforce seeks input from downtown businesses and the community that will help guide the strategies and desired outcomes of the working group.

The Town Hall Meeting begins at 7pm. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to the Downtown Business Association at 403-340-8696 or info@downtownreddeer.com.

It's time once again to invite individuals to actively participate in the work of the Red Deer Downtown Business Association.

Opportunity to Get Involved

The Downtown Business Association seeks individuals who have an interest in the future of downtown and are willing to make the commitment to serve as a member of the Board of Directors for a three-year term January 2010 through December 2012.

Role of Directors

Supported by staff, the Board is responsible to set policy, review progress and provide direction for the association.  Directors are expected to participate in monthly board meetings, the Annual General Meeting, as well as organizational events and committee responsibilities as required.

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the 2008 Annual Report and Strategic Plan.

Candidates must be operators or employees of businesses who pay the Business Revitalization Zone levy.  Nominations must be received not later than 5pm, October 26, 2009.

Click here for a Nomination Form.

For more information, contact:  Laura Turner, Executive Director at 403.340.8696.

Red Deer's fifth annual Earthdance will be held on Saturday, September 26th.  The annual celebration coincides with events world-wide that raise awareness of global issues such as peace, diversity and the environment.  This year's theme is 'bless the children'.

More than twenty downtown locations will feature products and activities beginning the week of September 21st, culminating in a full day on the 26th.  Earthdance happenings range from demos, displays and merchandise specials at participating downtown businesses, to interactive art-making, fil and open-mike music events at The Hub.

At 3:30pm, a Community Peace Drum Circle and dancing will be held at City Hall Park.  Following, at 5pm sharp, Red Deer will join over 300 communities around the world in a non-denominational prayer for peace.  In case of rain, these events will be held at Gaetz United Church on Ross Street.

An Earthdance fundraiser will be held this year at the Far Side Lounge, Red Deer College.  Night at the Chelsea, Ranger Danger and the Danger Rangers and the Rockability Roots Revue will be playing in support of this year's Earthdance charity, the Central Alberta Immigrant Youth Group.  Doors open at 8pm, with an $8 cover charge.

Earthdance details at http://earthdancereddeer.googlepages.com and www.earthdance.org.

The Greater Downtown Action Plan received an Award of Distinction from the International Downtown Association (IDA) in the category of Planning.

"This award reconfirms that we're creating and planning for a downtown that is second to none - a downtown that stands out, creates a sense of community and brings people together in Red Deer's downtown core.  This is a  once in a lifetime opportunity that will change the way people experience our city, " said Councillor Cindy Jefferies, chair of the Greater Downtown Action Plan committee.

The project was one of 77 award submissions IDA received this year as part of its Downtown Achievement Awards.

The Greater Downtown Action Plan outlines a vision for Red Deer's downtown starting today and looking 25 years into the future.  With the relocation of The City's Civic Yards, this plan will reconnect Red Deer's downtown with the river.  Citizens of Red Deer provided extensive input into a plan expressing a desire for a thriving downtown with an emphasis on sustainability, leadership, collaboration and distinctive character.

"We now have a clear vision for a vibrant, energized space where people can truly enjoy the best of both worlds - urban living in close proximity to nature," said Mayor Morris Flewwelling.  "This is an exciting opportunity to make our city and our downtown a destination for both residents and visitors."

On April 1, 2009 Council approved 10 key project packages that will begin to be explored in 2009.  Budget requirement for specific work will be submitted in the 2010 and 2011 budgets with varied times to complete each package of work.

The Downtown Achievement Award winners were recognized during IDA's 55th Annual Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin held September 11 - 15, 2009.

"The number and breadth of entries made judging a difficult task, " said Jane Jenkins, chair of IDA and the awards program.  "The awards jury was impressed with the accomplishments of the winners and is pleased to honour Red Deer among them."

DBA BBQ and Alexander Way Arts Festival - Saturday, Sep 10

Twenty-five years ago, a group of downtown businesses petitioned the City of Red Deer to establish a Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) to make area improvements and promote the downtown.  Since then, the DBA has been an advocate for business, worked to support, promote and beautify downtown and has been an active partner in programs and events that encourage downtown visitors.  Now it’s time to celebrate achievements, reflect upon the past and thank those who made a contribution!

On Saturday, September 19 the Downtown Business Association will host a BBQ celebration in conjunction with the Alexander Way Arts Festival.  The activities and entertainment begin at 12 noon at Centennial Plaza Park on 52nd Avenue between 47th and Alexander Way (48th Street).  The official welcome will take place at 1pm.  Join us for a BBQ, cake, music, art demonstrations, balloon artists, face painters, vendors and much more!

Every three years a weekend of nostalgia returns to Red Deer in the form of Alberta SuperRun Association’s ROCK’n RED DEER.  This four day event includes the Downtown Cruise Night hosted by the Downtown Business Association.

Friday, July 31st from 6 to 10 pm, downtown becomes a scene from an era gone by with hundreds of cars strutting their chrome, polished paint jobs and rumbling mufflers.

Come downtown to experience the cars, culture and music of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.  The hotrods, customs and classic cars and trucks are from across the 4 western provinces and the north-west states.  Come experience poodle skirts, Betty Boop, hula hoops, ducktail haircuts and of course the sounds of the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s.

Gaetz Avenue between Ross and 49th Streets will be closed to traffic to provide an area for entertainment.  The music of the past will be brought back to life with special appearances by Bobby Cash and Friends with tributes to some of the greats including Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley.

Note: Parking on Ross Street will be reserved for Rock’n Red Deer registrants on Friday evening.

For information about other Rock’n Red Deer events, visit www.rocknreddeer.com.

CentreFest once again boasts a roster of the world’s hottest street performers! The four blocks where Ross and Gaetz intersect will be the site of CentreFest 2009.

Downtown has played host to a diverse and talented array of entertainers from as far away as New Zealand and as close to home as Red Deer, Alberta.  This year’s stellar cast of performers will provide an awesome spectacle of jaw-dropping sight, sound and up-close-and-personal entertainment.

It’s a show without walls, like no other.  CentreFest takes place July 25th and 26th.  The festival runs from 11am to 8pm on Saturday and 11am to 6pm on Sunday.  Mark your calendar and join us on Friday, July 24th at noon in City Hall Park for a sneak preview of the festival performers.

New on the site this year is the Rotary Water World!  It’s a place to stop and cool off with some misting water, or purchase a souvenir water bottle and fill it up at the Culligan water coolers.

Remember, CentreFest is not just for kids!  It’s an all-ages entertainment event in the street.  Rain or shine the show will go on!  Come check out the performers, the artists, the street market and food vendors!

Check out the CentreFest website at www.centrefest.ca