OTTAWA, IL — September 21, 2026 — The Ottawa Downtown Association (ODA) has been awarded an Enjoy LaSalle County Tourism grant to support a coordinated holiday tourism marketing campaign encouraging visitors to “Make It a Holiday Weekend in Downtown Ottawa.”
The campaign will promote downtown Ottawa as a destination for holiday shopping, dining, seasonal events, and family experiences, encouraging visitors from throughout the region to make a day trip, or better yet, a weekend, out of their visit.
The grant will fund a multi-channel marketing campaign that will include printed rack cards distributed throughout the region, a targeted billboard campaign, and digital and social media advertising. The campaign will run throughout November and into early December, reaching potential visitors as they make plans for the holiday season.
“Downtown Ottawa really comes alive during the holidays,” said Heather Pursley, Vice President of the Ottawa Downtown Association. “We have locally owned shops, restaurants, holiday events and experiences that make Ottawa a wonderful place to spend a Saturday, an evening, or an entire weekend. This grant allows us to reach people outside of our immediate community and invite them to experience everything downtown has to offer.”
The campaign will highlight the many ways visitors can spend a holiday weekend in Ottawa, from shopping for unique gifts and enjoying locally owned restaurants to attending seasonal events and exploring downtown’s historic streets and public spaces.
The effort also reflects the ODA’s ongoing commitment to supporting downtown businesses and strengthening Ottawa’s position as a regional tourism destination.
“Tourism is an important part of the health of our downtown,” Pursley said. “When we bring visitors to Ottawa, they don’t just attend one event or visit one business. They shop, eat, explore, and discover other reasons to come back. That creates a ripple effect throughout our downtown.”
The Make It a Holiday Weekend in Downtown Ottawa campaign is made possible through funding from the Enjoy LaSalle County Tourism Grant, which supports projects designed to promote tourism and attract visitors to LaSalle County.
Visitors interested in planning a holiday weekend in Ottawa can find information about downtown businesses, events and attractions through the Ottawa Downtown Association’s online and social media channels.
About the Ottawa Downtown Association
The Ottawa Downtown Association is a volunteer-led organization dedicated to supporting and promoting downtown Ottawa as a vibrant destination for residents, visitors and businesses. The ODA works to champion and nurture the heart of the city through events, tourism initiatives, beautification projects, and efforts that encourage people to shop, dine, explore, and spend time downtown.
