On a wing and a prayer...err ding: Get your retail therapy on this weekend
By Andrew Zwicker
What do you do to boost retail and economic activity during the shoulder season? In Rossland you just wing it. Julie Parker over at the Rossland Chamber of Commerce has been working hard coordinating the spring shopping soiree, putting in the hours to make sure that this Saturday’s annual Wind Ding celebration is a…flying success.
If you’re brave enough to think about Christmas just as we appear to be breaking out of our extended cold and rainy spring, you might consider this weekend the unofficial start of Christmas shopping 2010, suggests Parker.
“ It’s going to be a great time and, fingers crossed, the weather will hold our for us. Lots of people will come downtown to enjoy the great food and shopping options in Rossland–and, who knows, maybe just get a few early Christmas gifts.”
Running from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the event will see retailers and merchants of all shapes and sizes getting in on the action. Along Columbia, you’ll have the usual suspects from Ross Vegas rocking their 5th annual legendary sale, Jelly Bean Junction will have “something special” for the kids set up, and most other shops will be participating with a sidewalk sale. Additionally, Ecole de Sept Sommets will be having an indoor/outdoor plant sale, the Beavers will be getting in on the action selling seedlings, and an eight-year-old local boy will be hoping for sun as he sets up his slushy machine downtown.
Looking to bring more of a family entertainment vibe to the Wing Ding this year, Parker and the Chamber will have roaming buskers singing and playing tunes. There will even be live back alley card tricks, courtesy of The Nelson and District Credit Union’s Steve Cutt in Sourdough Alley.
Visitors will also get an advance look at the Queen Street market between Ross Vegas and the Credit Union. This summer, with a new time and date, the Rossland Farmer’s market will kick off year two on Thursday afternoons starting July 1st. There fruits and veggies may still be in the garden, but vendors will be out with various local crafts and concoctions for your purchasing pleasure.
This year, the Saturday shopping spectacle that is Wing Ding will also be the kick off for the Chamber’s new coupon book program. Filled with over $2,000 worth of coupons to Rossland-area businesses, the chamber is selling the books to raise money as well as boost sales of area shops. As an added kicker, folks who spot Chamber of Commerce stickers in five business windows, write down the names of the businesses, and bring them to the Chamber’s burger tent in the market will be entered into a draw to win one of the coupon booklets.
“The Wing Ding this year is going to be a great event as always and is a great way to discover your own downtown,” added Parker. “At this stage we’re just hoping for good weather.”
