Ottawa Downtown Association Presents “A Victorian Haunting: A Taste of Ottawa and Its Spirits” on October 19
Ottawa, IL – July 26, 2024 – The Ottawa Downtown Association is delighted to announce its upcoming fundraising event, “A Victorian Haunting: A Taste of Ottawa and Its Spirits,” taking place on October 19, 2024. This unique and immersive experience will offer attendees an evening filled with gourmet food, handcrafted drinks, historic exploration, and festive activities, all set against the enchanting backdrop of Victorian-era Ottawa.
Event Details:
Date: October 19, 2024
Time: 4-8 PM (Check-in begins at 4:00 PM)
Check-In Location: Saffron Bazaar, 123 Main St, Ottawa, IL 61350
Highlights of the Evening:
Chef-Curated Appetizers: Guests will enjoy five gourmet appetizers from some of Ottawa’s finest restaurants, showcasing the culinary prowess of the city’s top chefs.
Hand-Crafted Cocktails: Two exclusive hand-crafted cocktails will be served, created by Ottawa’s premier mixologists to perfectly complement the evening’s theme. 21+ Must show ID at check-in.
Exclusive Access to the Reddick Mansion: Attendees will have the rare opportunity to explore the historic Reddick Mansion, an iconic landmark that will be open exclusively for this event.
Costume Contest: Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their best Victorian or Halloween attire for a chance to win exciting prizes in our costume contest.
Victorian Parlor Activities: Various downtown businesses will host Victorian-themed activities, from fortune-telling to vintage games, offering a range of engaging and nostalgic experiences.
“This event is a celebration of Ottawa’s rich history and vibrant culinary scene,” said Cassi Skoflanc, President of the Ottawa Downtown Association. “We’re excited to bring the community together for a night of delicious food, delightful drinks, and captivating activities, all while supporting our downtown initiatives.”
How to Participate: Tickets for “A Victorian Haunting: A Taste of Ottawa and Its Spirits” are available for purchase now. Guests are encouraged to secure their tickets early, as this event is expected to sell out. Check-in begins at 4:00 PM at Saffron Bazaar, where attendees will receive their event wristbands and additional information.
Local businesses have a unique opportunity to showcase their support for the community by becoming a corporate sponsor. Sponsorship packages offer a range of benefits, including prominent brand exposure, VIP tickets, and more. Sponsors will be featured in event marketing materials, including social media, the event website, and onsite signage, ensuring high visibility to a diverse audience of attendees. By partnering with the Ottawa Downtown Association for this prestigious event, businesses can enhance their community presence, attract new customers, and contribute to the vibrancy and economic growth of downtown Ottawa. To become a sponsor or in-kind partner, please visit https://ottawadowntownassociation.org/victorian-haunting-sponsor-opportunities/
Join us on October 19 for “A Victorian Haunting: A Taste of Ottawa and Its Spirits” – an evening of history, mystery, and culinary delights!
About Ottawa Downtown Association: The Ottawa Downtown Association is dedicated to promoting a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous downtown Ottawa. Through events, initiatives, and advocacy, the association works to enhance the cultural, social, and economic vitality of the downtown area, making it a welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.
Media Contact: Cassi Skolflanc, President, Ottawa Downtown Association at [email protected].
The Ottawa Downtown Association, in collaboration with the City of Ottawa, is thrilled to announce the launch of the “Adopt a Bed” Garden Bed Program. This exciting initiative invites residents, businesses, and community groups to beautify downtown Ottawa by adopting and maintaining garden beds in the downtown area.
The Adopt a Bed Program, inspired by the successful Adopt a Highway initiative, aims to enhance the downtown landscape through community engagement and environmental stewardship. Participants can select a garden bed in the downtown area, plant flowers and greenery, and take responsibility for its upkeep throughout the year.
“We are pleased to present this program in cooperation with the City of Ottawa,” said Cassi Skolflanc, President of the Ottawa Downtown Association. “The Adopt a Bed Program is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to contribute to making our downtown more vibrant and welcoming. It’s a chance for individuals and groups to showcase their creativity and community spirit.”
Program Highlights:
Choose Your Bed: Participants can browse a map of available garden beds and select one to adopt.
Personalize and Maintain: Once adopted, participants will receive guidelines and tips for planting and maintaining their garden bed. They are encouraged to design it to reflect their personal or organizational style.
Recognition: Each adopted garden bed will feature a sign recognizing the contributor, providing public visibility and appreciation.
Ongoing Care: Participants commit to the regular maintenance of their garden bed, ensuring it remains a beautiful part of the downtown area.
Why Participate?
Beautify Our City: Help transform downtown Ottawa into a blooming, green oasis.
Community Pride: Demonstrate commitment to the community and inspire others.
Public Recognition: Gain visibility with a personalized sign in your garden bed.
Enjoyable Activity: Gardening is a fun and rewarding way to spend time outdoors.
Getting started is simple. Interested individuals and groups can contact the Ottawa Downtown Association at [email protected] to express their interest. The association will assist in selecting an available garden bed and provide a short registration form along with program guidelines.
Join us in making downtown Ottawa a greener, more beautiful place to live, work, and visit. Adopt a garden bed today and help our city bloom!
Join the Ottawa Downtown Association on Thursday, April 11, from 5:30-8:30 PM at Open Space Art Gallery and Studios for Painting for a Purpose. Support your favorite downtown association, enter a 50/50 raffle, bid on raffle baskets, and of course, create your own masterpiece.
The victor of the inaugural “Deck the Windows” competition has been unveiled. With an overwhelming response from the community, RPS Toys emerges as the undisputed champion, amassing an impressive 1,484 votes out of more than 2,600 cast.
The spirited event, organized by the Ottawa Downtown Association, transformed our downtown into a wonderland of holiday cheer, showcasing the imaginative and festive window displays of numerous downtown businesses.
RPS Toys seized the hearts and votes of the public with a creative and captivating window exhibit that encapsulated the essence of the season, earning them the coveted title of the top display.
“We are thrilled and honored to be recognized as the winner of the First Annual ‘Deck the Windows’ competition,” said Sue Vandervort, owner of RPS Toys. “This achievement really reflects the hard work and dedication of all the downtown businesses in creating a magical experience for everyone.”
The Ottawa Downtown Association will be gifting Sue a “Dinner’s on Us!” prize, including dinner at The Lone Buffalo.
We Couldn’t Do It Without You!
The Ottawa Downtown Association extends heartfelt gratitude to every downtown business that contributed to creating a festive ambiance. Their creativity played an integral role in crafting an unforgettable atmosphere that enchanted both locals and visitors alike.
Additionally, our sincere thanks goes out to the community members who participated by casting their votes for their favorite displays. Your engagement and support made this inaugural event a tremendous success.
Looking Ahead
As the curtains draw to a close on this year’s “Deck the Windows,” the Ottawa Downtown Association is committed to evolving this new tradition, exploring innovative avenues that will offer enhanced ways for participation, ensuring an even more inclusive and engaging experience for the community in the years to come.
In a time when supporting local businesses and nurturing vibrant communities has never been more crucial, the Ottawa Downtown Association (ODA-IL) has emerged as a champion for downtown Ottawa businesses. Recently, American Express Small Business Saturday named ODA-IL as a Neighborhood Champion. This recognition underscores the work that ODA is doing to strengthen the downtown community, empower local businesses, and foster a sense of togetherness.
A Commitment to the Local Community
Although newly formed, the Ottawa Downtown Association’s mission is to help create a thriving, bustling downtown hub. This recognition by American Express Small Business Saturday highlights the unwavering commitment that ODA has to our downtown community. The organization understands the importance of small businesses, not only as economic drivers but also as the heart and soul of Ottawa.
The Role of a Neighborhood Champion
This designation signifies ODA-IL’s dedication to supporting the businesses and residents of Ottawa, Illinois. Neighborhood Champions are individuals, organizations, or associations that go above and beyond to promote Small Business Saturday, encouraging shoppers to buy local and create a positive impact on the community.
Supporting Small Businesses
As a Neighborhood Champion, ODA-IL will be actively involved in organizing and promoting Small Business Saturday events in Ottawa. This annual event, which takes place on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, encourages consumers to shop at local businesses, providing a much-needed boost to small enterprises. ODA-IL seeks to play a vital role in connecting the community with local shops and restaurants, fostering economic growth, and strengthening the bond between businesses, residents, and visitors.
Fostering a Sense of Community
Beyond the economic benefits, the Ottawa Downtown Association desires to be instrumental in fostering a sense of community pride and togetherness. By supporting events, activities, and initiatives that bring people together, ODA-IL champions a vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive downtown.
Resources for Downtown Businesses
ODA-IL Board Members will begin visiting selected downtown businesses to drop off complimentary materials provided by AMEX|ShopSmall. Click here for free resources, including social media graphics from AMEX to use to promote your participation in Small Business Saturday. List your business as a participant in Small Business Saturday by clicking here.
