A handful of downtown businesses are pitching in to give families a taste of normalcy during spring break.
Downtown North Bay & Waterfront will be offering a March Break Family Bundle featuring contributions from nine downtown businesses.
Amber Livingstone, Executive Director of Downtown North Bay, says the idea took shape following the success of a similar promotion done in Beamsville, Ontario, during the Family Day weekend.
“This March Break isn’t going to be the same, nevermind the fact that it’s going to be in April. But we still want families to have fun and have it be a break,” Livingstone said.
For $60, families will get art, games, food, baked goods all valued at over $100.
Livingstone says preparations began a few weeks ago, and the idea was well-received from the downtown business community.
“We got some great responses and there is some fun stuff that families can pick up,” she said.
“It gives businesses an opportunity to maybe meet some new people,” Livingstone continued. “It also gives families the opportunity to do something fun and meet some of the businesses.”
Todd Gledhill, owner of Waxman Records, will be contributing a pack of his store’s Black Metal Coffee blend to the bundle.
“I think it’s good that the DIA (Downtown Improvement Area) are putting their heads together and coming up with promotions that are helping promote the businesses,” Gledhill said, adding he hopes the coffee will “pique” people’s interest in his store.
The bundles are currently available for purchase for pickup dates in April. Livingstone hopes the bundle will give families something to do over the spring break.
“As we’re living in a time where we can’t hold traditional events, it is important to still give people something to look forward to and encourage people to shop local businesses,” she said.
