Table of Contents
Meet Chris:
Chris implements the Alliance for Pioneer Square’s marketing and communication strategy. Chris utilizes a diversity and equity lens to tell the Pioneer Square community’s story through various digital and print communication channels. Chris honors the authenticity that Pioneer Square exudes by finding innovative approaches to amplify the neighborhood’s ethos.
Occidental Mall:
“Taking a stroll down from King St along Occidental Ave through Occidental Mall into Occidental Square Park onto Yesler Ave can feel like stepping into a fairy tale,” Chris states as he reflects on Pioneer Square’s inherent beauty during the fall and winter months. Chris says he “enjoyed observing the lights being hung in the London Plane trees, as Occidental Ave slowly became illuminated with hanging lights.” Outdoor light displays in public venues has a nearly 100 year old history. The City of Altadena, California has hosted a light display on their Santa Rosa Avenue since 1920.
Holidays in Pioneer Square:
Throughout the past weeks and into the next month Chris is focusing on fostering a sense of community in Pioneer Square through a series of holiday focused events in the neighborhood. “I’ve been thinking about the holiday season since early October,” Chris says. “As most folks are gathering materials for their Halloween costumes, I have been reviewing holiday creative designs and writing cheery messaging for our December events.” Pioneer Square will host a handful of events beginning in late November through mid-December with the intent to convene the neighborhood’s diverse constituents and provide them with information on how to shop locally for their holiday giving needs.
The holiday season kicks off with Small Business Saturday on November 30th. Small Business Saturday is an annual holiday shopping tradition that brings together communities in support of their favorite small businesses. Shop Small Saturday celebrates what makes Pioneer Square so vibrant- our businesses. This year, Pioneer Square will host a welcome and information booth at Occidental Park on Saturday, November 30 from 10-3p to provide information on Shop Small Saturday.
The next holiday event hosted by the Alliance for Pioneer Square is the Seventh Annual Howlidays hosted on December 5th from 5-7pm in Nord Alley between Jackson and Main. “Howlidays is a legacy event in Pioneer Square that the community loves,” Chris observes. “On any given day you see a handful of very cute dogs walking around the neighborhood. I’m looking forward to seeing those pups dressed up in their howliday best.”
The Alliance for Pioneer Square will continue to build upon the holiday spirit in the Square with Warm Up in Occidental Mall on December 12th from 10a-12p. At the event, the community will share warm beverage from local vendors, get to know our neighbors, and learn about how to shop locally this holiday season.
The holiday season will wrap up with another Pioneer Square legacy event- Holiday Hooky Hour. On Friday, December 13th, Pioneer Square businesses are encouraging everyone to take a moment to pause and step out and enjoy shopping, dining, and more around the neighborhood. Come play hooky with us and get your shopping list crossed off!