There’s no place like local — Christmastime events set to take center stage in O’Fallon

Last holiday season may have been like a lump of coal to many local small businesses, but O’Fallon merchants are optimistic about boosting holiday cheer and have multiple promotions planned this year.

The O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown District Merchants have teamed up to host “There’s No Place Like Local for the Holidays” from Friday, Nov. 26, to Friday, Dec. 17, and will take part in “Tinsel Around Town” and other Christmastime events.

Small Business Saturday will be Nov. 27 and a variety of shops, restaurants, and services in the heart of O’Fallon are enticing patrons to stop by.

“We want consumers to ‘Shop Local and Shop Small’ — these are our ways to encourage that,” said Debbie Arell-Martinez, director of the O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce.

“There’s No Place Like Local for the Holidays is a promotion to, again, encourage you to visit downtown businesses. Consumers will shop and then upload their receipts for a chance at cash prizes,” she said.

After a successful launch of the revamped Downtown District in late 2018, the coronavirus pandemic forced cancellations last year, but they have resumed efforts to become a regional destination.

With 22 shopping days from “Black Friday” on Nov. 26 to Dec. 17, small business owners are stepping up to the challenge, said Jon Greenstreet, chair of the downtown merchants committee. He owns Bike Surgeon.

In the fall of 2016, the economic development initiative Destination: O’Fallon was approved by the O’Fallon City Council, with proceeds from a hike in the motel-hotel tax earmarked for revitalizing downtown and improvements to the Family Sports Park. In 2018, the O’Fallon Station was built, and opened in time for the holidays. The site of Vine Street Market, it became a focal point and gathering space for community events.

The Downtown District merchants formed a business group to promote activities. They banded together to become stronger as a group, Greenstreet said.

“Everybody’s worked hard as a collective. The interesting part about entrepreneurs is that they are very independent folks, but we’ve been able to connect and realize more is happening that what’s inside our four walls. It made a lot of sense, and we all see the benefit of this,” he said.

The group began to attract attention with its event focus — and interest grew. Businesses already downtown in 2018 — including Refinery Salon, Fezziwig’s Marketplace, and Furchild — were integral to planning themed activities.

“It was great to see people get involved,” he said. “That was almost three years ago, and unfortunately, we had to take a break last year, but we’re getting back together and hopefully, going to have some fun. The wheels fell off, and now we’re back to planning for next year. We will have at least one event per month (in 2022).”

Safety is a priority, with the ongoing public health crisis.

“We are returning to a sense of normalcy, but there are concerns. There is a shift to more outdoors,” he said.

Greenstreet noted newcomers have enthusiastically brought in new ideas. Cory Hollerbach of Art Gecko Studio suggested the “Chalk It Up” event that resumed community activities downtown this summer, and Chrissy Johnson of Boarding House Bistro came up with the Halloween Hunt Pub Crawl, he said.

“It’s neat to see new business owners get into the spirit and contribute,” he said, noting two businesses joined the committee after the success of the Halloween event Oct. 28.

The promotions are not funded by the city, Greenstreet is quick to point out. Those are the businesses. However, the city is helpful, he said.

“It’s been a fruitful partnership, between us merchants, the city’s market and city hall. They helped us build downtown up,” Greenstreet said.

Because of the revitalization efforts, there are almost no vacancies downtown, he noted.

“That certainly wasn’t the case 10 years ago. It’s great that people are investing in downtown. We want to keep moving forward. We’re here to keep it going,” Greenstreet said.

There’s No Place Like Local

After one makes a purchase — minimum $10 — at a participating local business, participants are asked to snap a photo of their store receipt — and screenshots of emailed receipts are acceptable. People may submit one entry for every $10 spent, and there is no limit to the amount of entries

Then, scan the QR code presented by staff members and flyers located at point of sale. Upload a picture of your receipt and fill out contact and purchase information from the moment of purchase until 7 p.m. Dec. 17.

Cash prizes will be in increments of $50, 75, 125, 259 and 500. Winners will be notified by the end of business on Dec. 20.

Any questions can be emailed to: director@OFallonChamber.com.

Tinsel Around Town

Arell-Martinez said by visiting participating downtown businesses and Vine Street Market during regular hours — with some having special holiday hours — on Saturday, Dec. 11, people will receive double points for their purchases in the Shop Local promotion.

“Tinsel Around Town is on the same day as the Vine Street Winter Market. During ‘Tinsel,’ we will have stories at Avenue Realty and the caboose, tours of the caboose, and the Madrigals walking around singing. It’s a day to get you in the holiday spirit and into the downtown businesses,” Arell-Martinez said.

She encouraged everyone to stay for the Vine Street Winter Market, which begins at 3:30 p.m.

“There will be so much going on downtown,” she said.

Vine Street Market

As part of Vine Street Market, the Winter Market will be from 3:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at the O’Fallon Station. About 50 vendors will participate,

The Vine Street Market has been nominated for Most Engaged Community Partner in a contest called “Silver Lining Stories,” now underway by the Illinois.

“Vine Street Market at O’Fallon Station is one of the largest farmer’s markets in southwest Illinois. Folks from neighboring counties and communities look forward to vending at the market, and shopping at the market each Saturday. During the pandemic, Vine Street Market changed their model to a drive-thru approach and continued it for weeks. They even expanded to a Tuesday night drive-thru, which people really responded tom” the post said.

A Christmas Carol Pub Crawl

The Halloween Hunt Pub Crawl was so successful chair Chrissy Johnson suggested a Christmas Carol Pub Crawl on Saturday, Dec. 18, and between 8-10 places are participating, Greenstreet said.

From 5-9 p.m., groups are encouraged to dress for an Ugly Sweater contest and get into the holiday spirit by singing Christmas carols at the local bars. A Caroling Contest will happen at 8:15 p.m. at Gears with teams belting out their best renditions of their assigned carol, and winners will receive prizes and be determined by an esteemed panel of judges.

Bad Santa will be present and taking photos with the teams.

Teams who post their pictures on social media will receive a custom commemorative gift by showing it to organizers at the end of the night.

Check-in for the event at Gears starting at 4:45 p.m., where people will receive the official rules, the event entry wristbands, and their assigned Christmas Carol sheet music.

Snowman Selfie Challenge

Now underway for the second year, the O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a contest that gives people who post the Snowmen photos on their website a chance to win cash prizes. One photo per business is allowed — people can visit other participating businesses for more entries. View details and rules at: https://ofallonchamber.com/snowman/.

Holiday Parade Returns

Beth Ortega and her elves are looking forward to bringing the community back together Saturday, Nov. 27, with the lighted parade that has become a holiday tradition. She promises an epic festivity that will be a joy for all ages.

The parade includes floats, marching bands, dance troupes, businesses, and other lighted holiday units. All units, including pedestrians, must be lighted.

The parade begins at 6 p.m. downtown Afterwards, a community gathering will follow near Santa’s Hut, offering refreshments and prizes.

Visit https://ofallonholidayparade.com for route details, parking, the post-parade party and other information.