By Mary Jo Coulehan | Pagosa Springs Area Chamber of Commerce
With November and December barreling down upon us with national holidays, Pagosa Springs also has our own plethora of activities. However, with these activities come due dates, so businesses should start working on their participation and interest level now.
Holiday Lighting Contest
We start off with the Holiday Lighting Contest. This annual event will take place from Nov. 24 to Dec. 31, and residents and businesses need to commit to keeping lights on that entire time.
There will be three categories this year: residential, business and storefront window. Applications need to be in by Wednesday, Nov. 15.
All entries need to be decorated by Nov. 24 when the online voting begins. Voting will take place until Dec. 17 and then the winners will be announced in the Dec. 21 edition of The Pagosa Springs SUN.
Residential category winners can win cash prizes of $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third place. Business category winners can win the same denomination of prizes; however, the amount will be awarded in advertising dollars for The SUN. The Storefront Window category will have prize valuation of $500 for first place, $250 for second place and $125 for third place, also paid out in advertising dollars with The SUN.
A complete list of guidelines can be found at https://bit.ly/2023HolidayLightingContest, where the link to the application is listed. The Chamber will also have a link to the contest on our home page.
More information will be forthcoming on how you can vote for all your favorite lighting displays from Nov. 24 to Dec. 17.
Small Business Saturday
There is always lots of hype about Black Friday deals and discounts. While you are in the shopping mode, don’t forget about our local businesses that will be celebrating Small Business Saturday.
Officially sponsored by American Express more than 12 years ago, this day brings to mind our local businesses and the need to shop small and local. Many of our businesses will be participating in this event.
If you are a retail, beauty or food business that is going to participate in this Nov. 25 event, please contact Membership Coordinator Kim Hartfiel about your participation at info@pagosachamber.com by Nov. 17.
Old Fashioned Christmas
Finally, we have the 3rd annual Old Fashioned Christmas event coming up on Dec. 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. along the Riverwalk.
This event welcomes musicians, nonprofits, businesses and other community members to participate in this unique event. The entity basically “adopts” a section of the route. You are not allowed to sell items or have a fundraising effort.
You will be responsible for decorating your post with low-impact décor and illumination and nonamplified sound or music. Entry forms to participate in this event are due by Nov. 29 and you can contact Jennifer Green, tourism director, at sales@visitpagosasprings.com.
This event has fast become a true holiday community event highlighting our spirit and beautiful surroundings. Santa will be on hand, and there will be giveaways, music and so much more.
As you can see, our businesses and organizations have some planning ahead of them. Stay tuned for reminders, emails and social media posts from the Chamber reminding you to plan and participate in so much that Pagosa has to offer over the holiday season.
