Ever since the Wal-Mart and Home Depot Business Park grand openings last week, the downtown has been a virtual ghost town, according to Business Improvement Association (BIA) spokesperson Greg Fischer, owner of Gelato Carina.
"People in the downtown are scarce," said Fischer.
But Fischer said businesses are nonetheless hopeful because the stores' draw will mean more people remaining in town and a more vibrant downtown down the road.
"It is my hope that after the novelty wears off, they will notice they have an extra two and a half hours that they're not spending on the highway that they can spend in town," he said.
In order to attract the newly captive shopping crowds, the BIA and the Squamish Chamber of Commerce have partnered to offer several new activities and a jolly Christmas atmosphere in the downtown.
Brand new this year is the West Coast Railway Heritage Park's Jingle Bell Express on Saturday Dec. 9. For the price of a donation, residents and visitors can ride the newly renovated Budd car from the downtown Pavilion to the Heritage Park.
"Train lovers will want to board this half-hour ride during one of it's two inaugural runs at 4:30 p.m. and 5:10 p.m. ensuring that all 120 riders in each car will be back downtown in time to enjoy the Santa Claus Parade at 6 p.m.," states a Chamber news release.
This weekend, the Chamber will erect a giant tree to light up the heart of the downtown, reminding residents and visitors that "shopping at home is the best way to find treasures."
On Saturday Dec. 9, Sea to Sky MP Blair Wilson and his team brings a Holiday Wishes concert at the Adventure Centre from 2 to 5 p.m. to help get the entire community into the holiday spirit. Fire Rescue will collect unwrapped gifts and toys while residents enjoy the singing of the Mamquam, Brackendale and Valleycliffe Elementary School choirs, as well as the St. John's Children's Choir, and the Sea to Sky Singers.
Crowds can also saunter down Cleveland Ave. for the ever-popular Santa Claus Parade at 6 p.m. Or a hop on a shuttle sponsored by Greg Gardner Motors to transport residents from downtown destinations to the Adventure Centre and the Pavillion between 2 and 6 p.m.
"Don't wait until six to come downtown," states the news release, "because new in 2006 is the Farmer's Market Association's Christmas Farmer's Market from 3 to 7 p.m. under the giant Christmas tree where you can buy a unique or handmade item for that special someone."
Downtown stores are accommodating shoppers with late night hours on Friday (Dec. 8), on the Saturday Dec. 9 Parade Day and on Friday (Dec. 15). For added convenience, the Squamish Sustainability Corporation offers supervised craft time for children aged three and older at the Adventure Centre on Fridays (Dec. 8) and Dec. 15 from 5 to 9 p.m.
"It's never been easier to shop locally, and without the peering eyes of your children," states the Chamber.
