Local spending can vary with not only the weather, but also with how well local businesses promote sales, extend hours and offer specials — particularly during the holidays.
According to Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) Executive Director Kara Kennedy, Bradford will be lit with excitement and involvement in the “Shop local, Buy local” initiative for this upcoming holiday season.
“A little snow always encourages the holiday spirit, but we find a good deal of foot traffic downtown during milder days, as well,” Kennedy told The Era. “The thermometer might read 50 degrees, but it’s the date on the calendar that motivates people to start shopping.”
Bradford is home to many new businesses downtown and in the immediate area, along with longstanding businesses that have always seen a wealth of shoppers right around Thanksgiving, Kennedy continued.
“Merchants offer specialty gifts, one-of-a-kind items and clothing right here in Bradford,” she described. “Due to milder weather, combined with great local events, I expect to see higher numbers in attendance and for our local merchants and restaurants to be busier this season than last year.”
On Nov. 26, the shops in historic downtown Bradford will participate in the nationwide Shop Local Small Business Saturday event for the third consecutive year, according to Pamela Burlingame Miller, BACC executive assistant.
“After the rush of Black Friday shopping in big box stores, it’s time to show a little love to our own small, locally owned businesses,” Miller explained. “Now, more than ever, the trend is toward shopping local and giving back to those businesses who are always there to sponsor our kids’ activities or donate to fundraisers. People value that hometown connection and are spending a day shopping, dining, and finding entertainment in Bradford.”
On Nov. 30, Michelle’s Flair for Hair located at 104 Main Street will host this month’s Business After Hours event from 5 to 7 p.m.
The salon recently located to their new Main Street location and is prepared to offer a festive networking event while showcasing their new space, Miller added.
BACC will sponsor a Ca$h Mob at 10 a.m. on Dec. 3 at Graham Florist on Kennedy Street. Locals are invited to stop in during business hours for this extended special event CA$H Mob for the holidays.
From 4 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 10, Downtown Bradford Business District Authority (DBBDA) will host its first ever Winter Wine Walk.
The “new” and “exciting” event will take place in conjunction with Old Fashion Christmas, according to Christy Graham.
There will be wine tastings, live music, merchant specials and hors d’oeuvres. Wine walkers will receive a commemorative wine glass courtesy of Northwest Bank.
“This is the perfect opportunity to prepare for the upcoming holiday season,” Graham stated on the event’s website. “This is your chance to sample and buy from numerous wineries all in one location! We all know wine makes the perfect gift for everyone on your list — including yourself.”
A porter service will be available for easy pick up of all participants’ purchases at the end of the walk. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 day of! Limited tickets are available.
Participants must be 21 or older to take part in the event, and must have proof of identification.
On Dec. 15, CNB Bank will host a special Holiday Business After Hours event at their 1001 East Main Street location, according to Miller.
Light hors d’oeuvres, beverages, holiday music and special giveaways will be featured.
And on Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22, Santa will visit historic downtown Bradford on Thursday nights, Miller added.
His sleigh will land at Wright’s Music Shed at 80 Main Street, where locals are invited to bring their families for children to come sit on Santa’s lap, tell him what’s on your list and commemorate the moment with professional photos, Miller explained.
To end not only the holiday season, but the 2016 year, First Night Bradford will be conducting New Year’s Eve Entertainment on Dec. 31 at the Bradford YMCA.
First Night is a community celebration of the New Year through the arts, according to YMCA Assistant Aquatics Director Nick Burt. It is a drug and alcohol-free, public festival with both local and regional talent.
There will be events and fun filled entertainment for all ages. Best of all, Burt noted, it is accessible and affordable for everyone.
“New Year’s Eve is an opportunity for new beginnings,” Burt stated on the event’s website. “A revival of the spirit, a time for transition and a commitment to the future. We wish family and friends happiness in the year to come with optimism and hope, and look forward to seeing everyone at this end-of-the-year event to ring in a new beginning — together, as one community.”
