The Downtown Moose Jaw Association (DMJA) will continue an event started last year as more than 20 downtown businesses keep their doors open late on Friday, Dec. 16 for shoppers to do some local Christmas shopping.
The event is to be called Moose Jaw’s #NotoriouslyCharming Christmas After Dark. Most participating businesses will keep their doors open until 9 p.m.
“Last year, it was The Perfect Find and a couple of other businesses that organized the late-night shopping event in downtown Moose Jaw,” explained Craig Hemingway, “and that event went over quite well!”
Hemingway is the City of Moose Jaw’s manager of communications/stakeholder relations and works with the city’s Economic Development Team to handle marketing duties at the DMJA.
He explained that the DMJA has agreed to take over organizing and advertising for Christmas After Dark on behalf of the downtown core.
“The Downtown Moose Jaw Association has been incorporated for a couple of years now, and we’re really just starting to gain some momentum and engage more with downtown businesses,” Hemingway said. “We really thank (the original organizers) for their co-operation and participation in getting this event off the ground, and we’re excited to continue with it.”
Downtown Moose Jaw is largely decorated for the holidays at this point, with businesses jumping enthusiastically on board with the City’s efforts. The lights are best seen after dark, of course.
“We’d like this whole season to be called ‘Christmas in Moose Jaw,’ starting in October,” Hemingway said. “Our downtown businesses have already done a marvellous job of decorating for Christmas.
“Some of them are providing little treats for Christmas After Dark, so you might be able to find some cookies and candy and hot chocolate at some stores. It’s up to the individual stores, but everybody is encouraged to really get in the spirit of the season.”
The Moose Jaw Warriors are hosting the Regina Pats on Dec. 16. Fans driving in from Regina for the game are anticipated to add to the number of downtown shoppers. Restaurants, in particular, should see crowds before the game starts, Hemingway said, and certainly the DMJA is encouraging visitors to grab a bite to eat before heading to the Moose Jaw Events Centre.
The list of participating businesses includes (but is not limited to):
- Whiskey & Pearls Hair Salon - 6:30 p.m.
- Cranberry Collective – 9 p.m.
- Cranberry Consignment – 9 p.m.
- The Perfect Find – 9 p.m.
- Past Times Antique Style Photography & Gifts – 9 p.m.
- Lions Creek – 9 p.m.
- Sweet Treats Candy Company – 10 p.m.
- Celtic Heart Day Spa – 7 p.m.
- Kabayan Sari-Sari Store – 9 p.m.
- Taste Patisserie by Katrina – 9 p.m.
- Pita Pit – 10 p.m.
- Jillian’s Design Elements – 8 p.m.
- Twenty Eight Décor – 9 p.m.
- Evolve Coffee – 9 p.m.
- With These Hands – 9 p.m.
