Getting Ready for Christmas

This year will be one to remember for sure.  As the year comes to an end, some will remember friends and loved ones we’ve lost, some will remember how much things changed in such a very short time.  It’s been a year of politics and social issues.  It has been a year that the DeLand community once again pulled to together to help their neighbors and their community.

 Downtown has seen some changes too.  We’ve also seen our businesses rise to the challenge, reinventing themselves and finding new ways to market their businesses and to safely serve their customers.  Providing a safe environment for their customers and employees has helped them get ready for the Christmas shopping season.

 Supporting Downtown DeLand’s restaurants and shops strengthens the entire community.  It not only shows the character of our community, it benefits our local economy. For every $100 you spend at locally owned businesses, $68 will stay in the community, providing jobs for our people and support for organizations. What happens when you spend that same $100 at a national chain? Only $43 stays in the community. Unless you buy online from a locally owned business, nothing stays in town.

 Please continue to support your favorite downtown businesses for your gift needs this year.  You can find many of them active on social media and link to many of them at MainStreetDeLand.org.  If you haven’t already, follow us on Facebook or sign up for our weekly email blast.

 We are once again promoting Downtown with our Brick Before You Click giveaway.  Spend $25 in one of our downtown shops and you have the opportunity to enter to win $250 in MainStreet Dollars.  The contest ends on December 22nd. Complete rules are available at MainStreetDeLand.org.

 Come downtown to see “Wreaths on Woodland”.  Young and old alike can take part in the “Mistletoe March” to find toy soldiers hidden in the downtown shops.  Check out the “Wreaths on Woodland” calendar or go to MainStreetDeLand.org for more information about Holiday activities.

 Thanks for doing your part to make DeLand a community we can be proud of. 

 I wished you a blessed Holiday.  See you downtown.

Wayne Carter
Executive Director
MainStreet DeLand Association