New market, new face!

Welcome Stephen to our Event team!

We’re thrilled to have Stephen on board. Stephen will be playing a key role in making our events even more memorable and enjoyable for everyone. Be sure to keep an eye on our social media platforms, as Stephen will be working diligently to share updates, exciting highlights, and engaging content that will enhance your experience.

Let’s give a warm welcome to Stephen as we gear up for an unforgettable summer season!

From Stephen:

“Hey everyone,

My name is Stephen, and I’m this summer’s event support for the Downtown’s Wednesday Market. It’s exciting to be part of such a vibrant community event.

On my free time I like to read, play video games, and just relax. I’m a big fan of art so being downtown is very exciting!

I can’t wait for an incredible summer filled with fantastic vendors, incredible people, and unforgettable experiences!

I’m also planning some other great events throughout this summer so stay tuned!

Join me for the Wednesday Market!

Whether you’re looking for fresh produce, unique crafts, or simply a delightful day out, the market has it all.

Come and be part of a thriving community, support local businesses, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere.”

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Best Summer Ever

For immediate release,

With great enthusiasm and anticipation, the Downtown Business Association (DBA) is thrilled to share some exciting updates and plans for the future! After careful consideration and a deep understanding of our community’s needs, we are here to announce our latest developments.

Firstly, while we understand the disappointment caused by the cancellation of the upcoming season of the Downtown Saturday Market, we want to assure you that this decision was made with the utmost care and consideration. Our valued vendors and attendees have shown incredible support and enthusiasm for this new venture, and for that, we are truly grateful.

Though we faced time constraints and logistical challenges that hindered our ability to organize the event effectively, we have not lost sight of our mission to bring joy and entertainment to the community. Our plans for the Wednesday Market remain unchanged and we are thrilled to inform you that the music programming meant for Saturday market entertainment will continue to thrive!

Every Saturday from 2-4pm, the public patio will come alive with soul-stirring performances from amazing artists from all over Central Alberta and beyond. Best of all, this event is free and open to the public, inviting everyone to share in the magic of live music. This will be in addition to the regularly scheduled Tuesday – Friday Programming, with an extra special open mic night every Thursday evening. Friday’s will take it up a notch with business-led events that will make your evenings truly unforgettable.

We have an incredible lineup of events and activities planned for this summer to enhance your enjoyment of the Ross Street Patio, day and night. To stay up-to-date with all the showtimes and artist line-ups, we encourage you to follow us on our social media channels.

In addition, our Host-It! Program offers community partners the opportunity to use the stage every Saturday throughout the summer. Imagine the possibilities—music, theatre, art galleries, and so much more. We are committed to providing a platform for diverse activities that will invigorate the heart of our downtown. And let’s not forget the festivals! The Downtown Business Association is proud to support several upcoming festivals on Ross Street and nearby this summer. These celebrations will infuse the area with a joyful and festive atmosphere, attracting thousands of visitors to revel in the excitement. After immersing yourself in these vibrant events, the Ross Street Patio will be the perfect spot to unwind and savor a refreshing beverage.

Our little Entertainment District has flourished, and we couldn’t be prouder. The first full summer season with this new bylaw in place promises to be an absolute triumph, as we are still the only Entertainment District in Alberta.

Looking ahead, the DBA remains dedicated to fostering a vibrant and thriving downtown. We are already hard at work planning an afternoon market for next year based on valuable community feedback. This revised schedule will provide vendors with greater flexibility and the opportunity to participate in other morning markets. We are committed to announcing and implementing these efforts earlier, ensuring that vendors have ample time to plan their seasons accordingly.

Together, as a united community, we will continue to create successful opportunities for all. Let’s embrace the vibrant future that awaits us and build a downtown that will inspire and uplift us all.

Sincerely,

Your Red Deer Downtown Business Association

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We’re Hiring: Summer Event Support

JOB OPPORTUNITY – Summer Event Support

The Red Deer Business Association is seeking an enthusiastic post-secondary student or recent graduate to assist with our summer event season.

Why Downtown? We serve approximately 500 businesses and property owners in the Downtown by showcasing unique, local experiences to visitors and residents and creating an inviting environment for thriving commerce. This position will provide the successful applicant the opportunity to connect to residents, business owners and our municipality through fun and rewarding events and initiatives. In addition, this position will help the successful candidate to develop skills in the following areas:

Event Planning  

  • Assist with the development and coordination of all DBA events including Live Music on the Ross Street Patio and the Downtown Farmer’s Market
  • Organize and support event partners, vendors and performing artists
  • Conceptualize and develop new programs and activities

Marketing and Social Media Management

  • Creation and distribution of promotional material on an as-needed basis(i.e., media releases)
  • Updating content of the DBA website through a CMS interface
  • Social media (including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) management and content creation

 Administrative Duties 

  • Supporting and directing visitors and calls to the office
  • Electronic file management(i.e., updating our web-based business database)

Who should apply? Experience in Events and Marketing is not required; however, post-secondary education in the humanities (i.e., Sociology, Social Work), Business, Marketing and Political Science will be considered a strong asset. The successful applicant will have the following competencies and attributes:

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to be resourceful and proactive
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills

Compensation: $16-18 Per Hour

Position: Part-time

Contract length: Approximately 4 months (until September 2023)

To Apply:

  1. Submit resume and cover letter to: info@downtownreddeer.com.
  2. Please include three references.
  3. Deadline for application is May 1st, 2023.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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Featured Vendor: The Little Market Farm

This week’s featured vendor is Little Market Farm!

We caught up with them at last week’s market to learn a bit more about their business!

The Little Market Farm.

 

What kind of products do you sell?  

All sorts of vegetables (tomatoes, chives, peppers, carrots, cucumbers etc.), as well as microgreens, herbs, and plants!

What is your “must try” product? What makes this product unique? 

Carrots / tomatoes 

Tell us an interesting, fun fact about your business: 

We are a small farm, hence our name! As well we are non-GMO & no synthetic herbicides / pesticides

Can you find your product anywhere else? Where can we find you online? 

Online!

What is your favourite thing about being in Downtown Red Deer?  

We love the location right Downtown

 

Be sure to check them out at this week’s market and stay tuned for next week’s featured vendor!

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Featured Vendor: Sugar & Spice

This week’s featured vendor is Sugar & Spice!

We caught up with them at last week’s market to learn a bit more about their business!

Sugar & Spice.

  

What kind of products do you sell?  

Baked goods like cookies & cupcakes

What is your “must try” product? What makes this product unique? 

Sugar Cookie / Peanut Butter Cup Cupcake

Tell us an interesting, fun fact about your business: 

We suffer from a syndrome that allows us to work from home, doing what we love best!

Can you find your product anywhere else? Where can we find you online? 

Online!

 

What is your favourite thing about being in Downtown Red Deer?  

The organization, and busy crowds!

 

Be sure to check them out at this week’s market and stay tuned for next week’s featured vendor!

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Featured Vendor: Innisfail Growers

This week’s featured vendor is Innisfail Growers!

We caught up with them at last week’s market to learn a bit more about their business!

Innisfail Growers.

 

What kind of products do you sell?  

Fruits & vegetables

What is your “must try” product? What makes this product unique? 

Carrots!

Tell us an interesting, fun fact about your business: 

We are 5 local growers that supply the fresh produce.

Can you find your product anywhere else? Where can we find you online? 

We are at both Red Deer markets, as well as Gasoline Alley market, and Innisfail!

What is your favourite thing about being in Downtown Red Deer?  

The great location!

 

Be sure to check them out at this week’s market and stay tuned for next week’s featured vendor!

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Featured Vendor: Water & Fire Creations

This week’s featured vendor is Water & Fire Creations!

We caught up with them at last week’s market to learn a bit more about their business!

Water & Fire Creations.

  

What kind of products do you sell?  

Handmade & upcycled jewelry, Candles, and Bath products 

What is your “must try” product? What makes this product unique? 

Our astrology jewelry 

Tell us an interesting, fun fact about your business: 

We are 2 friends who started our business in November

Can you find your product anywhere else? Where can we find you online? 

You can find us on Instagram @waterandfire

What is your favourite thing about being in Downtown Red Deer?  

Meeting new customers!

 

Be sure to check them out at this week’s market and stay tuned for next week’s featured vendor!

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Featured Vendor: Bob The Dog

This week’s featured vendor is Bob The Dog!

We caught up with them at last week’s market to learn a bit more about their business!

Bob The Dog.

What kind of products do you sell?  

Pet treats & animal, and people CBD products 

What is your “must try” product? What makes this product unique? 

Nose & Paw CBD Balm / Kettle Cod Treats

Tell us an interesting, fun fact about your business: 

We are a brand created to advocate for animal anxiety, pain management, and wellness!

Can you find your product anywhere else? Where can we find you online? 

You can find us at other markets, as well as at our online storefront @bobthedog

What is your favourite thing about being in Downtown Red Deer?  

The relaxed atmosphere, and the other vendors energy!

 

Be sure to check them out at this week’s market and stay tuned for next week’s featured vendor!

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Business Spotlight: Wolf & Crown Tattoo

What is your business?

Wolf & Crown tattoo is a unique Tattoo shop in Downtown Red Deer

When did your business open?

January 2020, After a few covid shutdowns, things are running smoothly.

What makes your business unique?

Several things make wolf & Crown unique. The specialized styles offering realism or gems can be tough to find around Red Deer. Additionally, the operations side of the business is run by one of the owners, where they have the opportunity to ensure that clients’ and artists’ time is respected and the customer service is of very high quality.

What are some products and services that you offer?

Wolf & Crown has amazing tattoo artists that each specialize in different areas and passions. They have a few local jewellers that display their unique pieces at the store, and lastly, personalized merchandise.

I love downtown Red Deer because…..

The food!!! Downtown Red Deer has someone amazing places to eat over on the patio.

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Featured Vendor: Sylvan Star Cheese

This week’s featured vendor is Sylvan Star Cheese!

We caught up with them at last week’s market to learn a bit more about their business!

Sylvan Star Cheese.

What kind of products do you sell?  

Handmade Cheese

What is your “must try” product? What makes this product unique? 

Herb & Garlic / Gouda 

Tell us an interesting, fun fact about your business: 

We are located right in Sylvan Lake, and we come from generations of cheese makers.

Can you find your product anywhere else? Where can we find you online? 

You can find us at other markets, online, and at our store front: 39008 Range Rd 10, Alberta T4E 0G4

What is your favourite thing about being in Downtown Red Deer?  

The great atmosphere, and returning customers!

 

Be sure to check them out at this week’s market and stay tuned for next week’s featured vendor!

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