The Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association will be hosting a contest open to all members who decorate their storefront windows for the holiday season.
The BIA is encouraging stores to be imaginative with paint, lights, seasonal stock and signs.
Three winners will receive a $50 gift certificate to the downtown store of their choice.
Window display judging will take place Dec. 5 to 9, and prizes will be awarded mid-December.
Let the DMRBIA know which downtown windows you like best by e-mailing them at inekeb@downtownmapleridge.ca.
Christmas market
The third annual Downtown Maple Ridge BIA Christmas market will coincide with the annual Santa Claus parade and Christmas in the Park on Dec. 3.
From 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., 20 to 25 vendors will be showcasing their goods in the covered area behind Jim’s Pizza.
For anyone wanting to be a vendor in the Christmas Market, the cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Contact the BIA for more information at 604-467-2420.
The BIA is also encouraging all downtown businesses to participate in the ‘Light up the Town’ event by turning off their window display lights from 5:55 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 3, in the lead up before Santa magically lights up the new Peace Tree at the entrance to Memorial Peace Park and the colourful parade starts.
There are many different ways for downtown businesses to participate in the Christmas Festival on Dec. 3, even if they don’t want to be a part of the Christmas Market.
The BIA suggests extending store hours, serving hot chocolate or hot tea or cider, handing out festive treats like candy canes or even doggie treats with your business card attached, playing Christmas music from your store or organizing a children’s activity.
Window painters
• For a list of holiday window painters, call the BIA at 604-467-2420.