While this was the scene in 2019, Shoppers Night and the Tree Lighting ceremony will look a little different this year due to COVID-19.

The Port Elgin BIA is excited to announce Port Elgin Shoppers Night will return in 2020 in an extended format.

In a November 9 media release from the Port Elgin BIA, in order to mitigate the risk of overcrowding downtown stores, Shoppers Night will run over the course of three days. Beginning on Thursday, November 26th from 6 p.m until 9 p.m., Shoppers Night promotions will continue on Friday, November 27th from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., and again on Saturday, November 28th during regular business hours.

“We think extending Shoppers Night is the best way to keep everyone safe and still give our small businesses the opportunity to reach as many customers as possible,” said BIA Chair Addison Ziegler.

The BIA is transforming Coulter Parkette into a Christmas destination, investing thousands for new decorations. "We want Coulter Parkette to be a destination people make a point to come and see the Christmas wonderland we’re creating,” said Ziegler.

The tree lighting ceremony will not take place as a public event this year, however, the tree lighting will be pre-recorded and released on social media channels.

A contest is being held by the Town of Saugeen Shores to find two children to help Mayor Luke Charbonneau light the trees. In approxoximately 150 words, describe your favourite thing about the holiday season in Saugeen Shores and e-mail it to communications@saugeenshores.ca by November 12, 2020 to enter.

Be sure to include the name and age of the child and parent or guardian name and contact number. One winner each will be chosen for the Port Elgin and Southampton tree lightings.