BIA wants locals to put on their walking shoes

Everyone has likely walked around downtown Stratford looking for some treasures.

Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area (BIA) are now encouraging it, as they launch Winter Walk around the Block.

The local BIA is asking residents to hit the streets, find local treasures and share them on Instagram. 

"This is something new for this year," Jamie Pritchard, BIA GM, told StratfordToday. "A fun little contest to get people out and about." 

The contest takes place two-days-per-week, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, over the next four weeks and includes a weekly theme. 

Each week participants can enter to win $100 Downtown Dollars by sharing where they would shop or dine for items that bring "cozy comfort in the cold winter months,", according to a BIA media release. After that, entrants drop the 'where' and 'what' into an Instagram post on the Tuesday or Wednesday of that week and check back on Thursday to see who won. 

The theme for this week, starting today, is Food, Food, Food. The BIA asks participants to "tell us where you’re going to eat cozy food like braised meats, fondue, soups, indulgent chocolate - or where you’re picking up cookbooks, warm spices, cooking gear, or ingredients to make your own meals." 

Week two, Feb. 6-7, is Self-Care-Self-Love, "where are you going to indulge in a facial, bubble bath, a head massage and haircut, hot yoga, salt room, candles, skin care products, (or an) eye mask." 

On week three, Feb. 13-14, the theme is Drinks-Drinks-Drinks, which could include "coffees, warm cocktails, scrumptious red wine, hot cocoa, teapots and loose tea for home."  

The final week is Feb. 20-21, with a theme of Cozy-Cozy-Clothes, where you can "share where you’re buying your favourite socks, warmest sweater, best outdoor gear (scarf/ mitts/ hat), or snuggliest pjs." 

The initiative should get people walking around downtown and exploring businesses, Pritchard said. 

The BIA is also welcoming the return of the Ten Bucks Back program. Shoppers can get $10 back for spending $100 (pre-tax) in the downtown from Feb. 15-29. 

Receipts can be turned in Monday to Friday at RBC, at 33 Downie St. from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday at Destination Stratford, 47 Downie St., from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.

"No work, no fuss, no muss," Pritchard said. 

The GM said the BIA has enjoyed "huge success" with the Ten Bucks Back program over the years. 

Receipts can be handed in for Ten Bucks Back until March 11 and promotion dollars must be spent by April 30.