There’s something magical about holiday lights, and now that we appear to be getting some snow, the “wondrous winter” in Durango truly has begun.
From one end of downtown to the other, everyone truly has stepped up. Thousands of people came out to celebrate the lighting of the giant holiday tree in Buckley Park. Thanks again go out to the Business Improvement District, Durango Electrical Services, Durango Motor Company, Eagle Crane and La Plata Electric Association for making it possible.
And down at the other end of Main, at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad train depot, spectacular new lights have been added to smaller but no-less-important tree thanks to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Jackson & Jackson and the line crews of LPEA.
The city of Durango has done a tremendous job with lighting on sidewalk trees, and kudos go out to our local merchants, as well. Each year BID sponsors a window decorating contest, and a committee selects the top 10. I have to tell you that this year, it was hard to limit it to just 10.
Congratulations to our winners Affordable Framing, Animas Trading, Bank of Colorado, Bank of the San Juans drive thru, Beads and Beyond, Durango Antique Market, Pet Haus, Renae Marie Apparel & Gifts, Tippy Canoe and Urban Market.
So, if you haven’t visited downtown this holiday season, be sure to make a visit, or two or three – if only to enjoy all the displays, but there are a lot of unique shopping opportunities, as well. The decorations and lighting truly give a boost to the holiday spirit.
To encourage folks to come downtown, BID completed its inaugural Free Parking Giveaway. Forty-one entities within the BID took sign-ups in their establishments through November to receive one of the city’s parking “smart cards” including $20 on each card.
We’re still surprised at how many people don’t know about the parking card. It’s been available since the new meters were installed last year. Think of it as something like a bank debit card, and it works in all downtown meters, including ones that don’t take credit cards. I’ve got one, and I’ve found it extremely convenient. I don’t have to worry about having enough change or putting a series of $1 charges on the credit card when I park at a meter.
Participating businesses report that the two winners chosen at each establishment are ecstatic about receiving the cards. For BID, we’re happy that we have helped 82 folks with free parking right at holiday shopping time. We also hope that all the winners will reload the cards with their own money after the $20 runs out. We’re looking forward to reprising the Free Parking Giveaway in 2015.
There’s always something going on in the BID. Sign up for our weekly BID E-News at www.downtowndurango.org. It’s a quick read with news you can use.
Happy Holidays from everyone in the Business Improvement District.
timw@downtowndurango.org. Tim Walsworth is the executive director of the Durango Business Improvement District.
