Santa's elves are hard at it. So are the volunteers here at the Lost Sierra Chamber and Visitor Center. We have been re-imagining Portola's holiday event in December. What would make it even better? How do we get more families, more community, more visitors to come out and play?
After tossing around several great ideas for improving the community event on Commercial Street in Old Town Portola, we realized we needed to start with a new brand.
Quincy already had "Sparkle." Graeagle already had "Holiday Festival."
And, there it was...starring back at us. "Christmas in Old Town." Simple, direct and uniquely Portola.
Since then, we have been meeting with all sorts of folks -- gleaning insights from past events and new ideas for our "new and improved"
Christmas in Old Town event.
One of our most daunting challenges is Commercial Street itself. Well, not the street, per se, but the buildings lining the street. Sadly, many of the buildings lay vacant, untouched, unloved.
Many businesses add lights during the holiday season. It's a way to say, "Welcome", even if your shop is closed for the day. Imagine if
every building on Commercial Street had just a few lights.
Your Chamber will be contacting business owners on Commercial Street and asking for help in lighting each of their buildings. We are also asking for community donations to help light unoccupied buildings down the street.
You may ask yourself, "Why would I donate funds to light a vacant building?" It's about perception, really. Is Portola alive? Are businesses thriving...or just getting by? How would it affect your business if the downtown area dried up?
Portola does not have a revitalization program. But lighting Commercial Street would be a step in the right direction, and could make a
huge impression on visitors and locals alike! It would definitely be more inviting, and might even give someone an idea for starting a new business in Portola.
It is difficult for one person, or even a handful, to make much of a dent in most challenges. But many hands could make a huge difference in this one! Can our community get behind a mini-makeover in lights on Commercial Street?
Another challenge we run into every year during event planning is gathering participants for the light parade. This is a magical time of year for youngsters. Children of all ages love a parade, especially a nighttime light parade. This is a fun way to showcase your business. Grab a vehicle (or yourself) and add lights. Viola! Instant magic! Please contact us and we will send you an entry form. We would love to have you. Email us at epcc@psln.com.
We are a long way from the finish line, but we have heart and know we can make this work with your help. If you do not hear from the Chamber in the next few weeks but want to take part in the success story of
Christmas in Old Town, give us a call. (530) 836-6811.
We cheerfully accept any donation of time, energy and money. Guaranteed, it will be put to good use for the event!
