By Jerelyn Craden

Back by popular demand, the Haliburton BIA Ladies’ Shopping Night is about to give Santa some competition. On Thursday, Dec. 8, from 5 to 8 p.m. ladies are invited to step out for a great, fun shopping experience full of significant discounts, some up to 30 per cent off on a wide range of items, individual store give-aways and contests. Plus, a chance to win one of five $100 gift certificates at their choice of any BIA business. With only 200 to 300 entries, there’s a good chance of winning. 

“It’s a fun night out. Ladies have a hoot,” David Zilstra, BIA vice chair and board coordinator said. “They usually go in groups of four or five. Some start their evening by having dinner together at a downtown restaurant, then shop in participating stores and have an awesome time. It’s about comradery and a night out without kids and husbands or partners. It’s a kid-free zone that happens just one night a year.”

Kirstley Dams, the new BIA administrator added, “Not only is Ladies’ Shopping Night a unique opportunity to take advantage of later shop hours, special deals and contests, the event also gives the whole Haliburton community that extra motivation to shop locally for holiday gifts. Dollars spent locally is so important. And the cherry on top – hot chocolate, compliments of the BIA, carolers spreading Christmas cheer throughout the village, and the BIA draw for a $100 gift certificate.”

How the contest works

Ladies can pick up a passport (ballot) now until Dec. 8 at any participating BIA store, easily recognizable by the Ladies’ Shopping Night poster in the store window. Or, they can pick up a passport on Dec. 8 starting at 5 p.m. at the BIA warming station located at the village square on Highland Street.

On the back of each passport is a list of participating BIA stores. The contestant then goes shopping and gets their passport either stamped or signed at a minimum of five participating stores. When they are finished shopping, they drop their passport into a clearly marked drum located in the hallway at Glecoff’s Family Store on Highland Street.

It keeps getting better …

“In addition to the main BIA draw,” Zilstra said, “all participating businesses are free to add their own contests or give-aways that night. And then, there’s the warming station at the village square.”

BIA warming station

The BIA warming station’s name says it all. Here you can warm up with a delicious cup of hot chocolate, pick up your passport (ballot) for the main draw, and enjoy the warmth of a safely contained fire pit. “If you’ve lost your passport or need a fresh one, you can grab it here,” Dams said.

In the holiday spirit

“At previous Ladies’ Nights, the stores were busy,” Zilstra said. “It’s a special night for merchants and staff, as well, so they try to make everyone feel special.”

Shoppers can expect to see in-store decorations, giveaways, and even staff getting into the holiday spirit by wearing festive outfits. It’s going to be a great night out. So, come downtown for Ladies’ Shopping Night in Haliburton. Have fun. Bring a friend. And don’t be surprised if a reindeer turns out to be your check-out person.

For more information, email haliburtonbia@mail.com or visit www.haliburtonbia.com.