Winter is not over, and neither are events this season at the downtown Ross Street Patio.
Chelsey Ward, special events co-ordinator with the Red Deer Downtown Business Association, said the patio and events held there provide opportunities to boost the atmosphere in the city’s core.
“It creates a very vibrant and lively family-fun experience. It showcases the best of downtown,” Ward said who was setting up for the pre-Valentine’s Day celebration at the Ross Street Patio, which was to be held Friday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The Valentine’s Special downtown event was featuring live music by Simon Donovan and Amanda Mitchell, free hot chocolate, date night giveaway and a valentine-themed photo booth. The warmth from fire pits and the canopy of lights were also going to provide a romantic ambience.
Ward was encouraging couples to bring a lock to attach to the metal heart-shaped Locks of Love art installation to show their unbreakable bond.
“We’ve got the Locks of Love all decorated so families and couples can come down and add their lock. It’s just a really sweet tradition that is all over the world on bridges and fences and all kinds of installations.”
Related:
Ice sculpture unveiled in downtown Red Deer
Locks of Love has been on the patio for a few years and people are invited to add their locks anytime.
“If they’re doing their shopping, or coming down to a downtown restaurant, they can stop by and add a lock.”
In 2020, the city decided the Ross Street Patio should remain open through the cold months as a pilot project after consulting with businesses along Ross and other streets. The extra outdoor patio space allowed food and beverage businesses to expand and increase their capacity, while adhering to COVID safety guidelines and restrictions.
Related:
Ross Street Patio thrived this past summer
Ward said about 150 to 200 people stopped by for the reveal of the patio’s ice sculpture in January.
Upcoming winter performances on the patio will feature the Red Deer band Ten02 on Feb. 18 for a pre-Family Day party. On March 17 for St. Patrick’s Day, the Red Hot Hayseeds will perform.
Musicians will continue to entertain patio visitors regularly through March, April and May.
Ward said regular summer performances will be held, as well as the Downtown Market that spans Little Gaetz Avenue.
“We’re absolutely looking forward to the summer for sure. With our events we try to reach as many corners of the downtown as possible.”
For more information on upcoming events visit the Red Deer Downtown Business Association on Facebook.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter