Tell us about The Holiday Promenade.
This is the 10th anniversary of Holiday Promenade! It started by business owners and residents when the neighborhood was just experiencing a revitalization. It has grown significantly. The highlight of Promenade are the business open houses in the heart of the Historic East Village, but over the last several years, we've coordinated efforts with Brenton Skating Plaza to host the event during their opening night. They have holiday events and Santa that are family friendly, plus skating! The event took on a new dynamic last year when we were approached by Downtown Community Alliance who offered to sponsor a fireworks display during the event. It went great and will be a part of the event this year too.
In the heart of the Villlage, we'll have two horse-drawn carriages, a few groups caroling, plus so many fun events at open houses. Many new businesses race to open before Promenade. This year, we've added a window decorating contest to encourage a festive feel that will kick-off that night and carry on throught the holiday season. We're also giving away 2000 reusable shopping bags at 3 popular stops: Brenton Plaza, LifeServe Blood Center, where they'll have Miss Iowa and Ballet Des Moines performing, and Baby Boomers. The bags will be filled with information, maps, coupons, and samples and people can use them to shop in the HEV throughout the holiday season!
How did you start this event and when?
The event started in 2001. This is the 10th year. I was on the HEV board for two years and ended up taking over the co-chair responsibilities and have just kept on doing that. This is my 3rd year chairing the event.
Why do you think people should attend The Holiday Promenade?
The event really caters to all. For shoppers: Those looking to start their holiday lists (or even start their shopping early!) will find unique items, locally crafted and global goods, items in all price ranges, and some lines they won't find anywhere else in the state or country! People will enjoy visiting their favorite stores for goodies and festive fun, plus this is a great incentive to visit stores new to them and getting to know the owners and employees. They might find new favorites! For families: Fireworks, ice skating, santa, goodies, Ballet, Miss Iowa, gorgeous window displays, horse and carriages..need we say more? We're piling on the holiday spirit...and thick!
How do the local shops get involved in your events and will they be offering any special sales?
This is a favorite of local shops and nearly every one participates. A few have specials and sales. some launch new lines or holiday items, and many offer goodies and events. This is a great time to get a feel for all the East Village has to offer holiday shoppers. It is a busy night for certain and we find that lots of Promenade guests return the next day to make more purchases.
What do you think sets you apart from other Holiday Shopping Events?
We comebine big events with the charm of a small village. The East Village is unique in so many ways and that is in large part due to the great people who choose to invest in the neighborhood by opening businesses and deciding to live there. Businesses don't have a large corporation or mall office telling them how to operate and that adds to the charm. The restaurants are also unique and cater to varied tastes so when you're worn out from shopping, you can pop into one of them for a memorable meal.
What is your favorite East Village Shop or Restaurant?
Don't make me pick a favorite! Most of us support each other, there are great service providers (spas, doctors, attorneys, more!) that we try to use, we eat out in the neighborhood all the time, and I do all of my holiday shopping in the Village because I can find everything I need at every price point. I will say that it is vital that if people only come down for one or two stores they've always visited or restaurants they always frequent, that they get out and pop into others. There are cute little shops and off the beaten path and new businesses opening all the time. There are treasures everywhere.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
The East Village is not only a great place to visit, but an incredible place to own a business. I own East Village Spa. I've been in the Village for 4 1/2 years, 1 1/2 years in private practice and 3 years as owner of a 2000 sf spa. I started my business in my 20's and that isn't unique in the Village. In that time, I've seen many other young business owners succeed and expand their businesses like I've been able to. I'd never be anywhere else. It is also important for people to recognize that the unique qualities of the Village inspire such an incredible passion and pride in business owners, residents, and volunteers who dedicate so much time and talent to serving on the board.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more information about this event, please visit the Historic East Village website at http://www.eastvillagedesmoines.com or contact the Cassie Sampson at 515-309-2904 or evdayspa@gmail.com.
Do you have a event coming up that you would like us to spotlight? Please contact us at: shoplocaldesmoines@gmail.com for more information!
Photos from Metromix
No comments:
Post a Comment