An initiative to decorate the downtown area for fall has received municipal council support.
At the July 13 municipal council meeting, Maryan Dennison and Linda Beaven presented their Harvest Days concept.
The concept is similar to something which has been done in Colfax, Wash., where harvest displays are created in front of downtown businesses.
“It looked fantastic,” Dennison said. “There is no reason we can’t do this in Summerland.”
The displays would be in place from mid-September to mid-October.
Beaven said downtown businesses could create a harvest display in front of their locations, artists could create harvest displays on behalf of a business or businesses and service organizations could sponsor displays.
She added that in the 14 years the project has been in place in Colfax, the displays have not been vandalized.
Christine Petkau, manager of the Summerland Chamber of Commerce, said the project will enhance the downtown area.
“Summerland Harvest Days will be a beautiful addition to downtown Summerland in September and October and we’re pleased to promote this initiative to our members in the retail core,” she said. “We’ll also be encouraging visitors to come to Summerland to enjoy the decorations.”
Municipal council endorsed the Summerland Harvest Days project and will provide around $700 in grant funding.
Because the municipality’s grants in aid policy is limited to not for profit organizations and charities, the organizers of the Harvest Days initiative must partner with a nonprofit sponsoring organization.