The Love Local campaign, launched by the City of Winter Garden last fall, continues in 2021 with a line-up of programs and activities to help small businesses recover from financial losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The intent of the Love Local campaign is to build awareness of the importance of shopping and dining local to support small businesses and community organizations that are vital to the city.
From now through the summer, the campaign will include monthly activities and programs that support local businesses and community organizations:
SHARE THE LOVE IN FEBRUARY
Downtown Winter Garden and Citywide
The campaign fittingly launched in February, the month of love, with Valentine’s Day weekend activities in Downtown Winter Garden that included horse-drawn carriage tours, festive lights and holiday décor, restaurant and store specials, and more that attracted patrons to local businesses. A plea to show love and appreciation to community nonprofits is being featured this month through marketing initiatives in an effort to gain financial support for these vital organizations.
SHOP, DINE & STROLL
March 27
Downtown Winter Garden and Citywide
In celebration of National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day, an outdoor sidewalk sale along with in-store and online deals, as well as restaurant specials and outdoor dining. March’s ideal weather makes it the perfect time to stroll the charming streets, stores and outdoor dining areas. There is no better way to support your favorite Mom and Pop Business than to lift your wallet and make a purchase. Please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1124166068345290 to learn more.
CELEBRATING THE ARTS IN APRIL
April 1-30 – Community Celebration
April 17 – All-Day Community Event & Ticketed Evening Fundraiser
Downtown Winter Garden and Citywide
Love Local extends to the arts community, which is an integral part of our well-being and enriches our hometown. The theme for the month and the all-day event on April 17 is “The World Outside,” which will include over 20 outdoor and indoor venues of art activities, classes, workshops, and exhibitions throughout downtown, followed by a ticketed fundraiser event that evening. Please visit Events at www.facebook.com/officialdowntownwintergarden to learn more.
MAY DECLARED OUTDOOR DINING MONTH
May 1- 31 – City-Wide
The City of Winter Garden proclaims May as Outdoor Dining Month! Spring is perfect for al fresco dining at the outdoor restaurant patios throughout the City, including the umbrella tables dotting the historic streets of downtown. The weather is also perfect for an outdoor picnic with take-out from your favorite local restaurant! (Proclamation to be presented at the May 13, 2021, City of Winter Garden Commission Meeting.)
LOVE YOUR LOCAL FOOD
June 1–30 and June 5th Celebration
Winter Garden Farmers Market, Downtown Pavilion, 104. S. Lakeview Ave.
Many local businesses within our community are cottage businesses, market vendors, crafters, food artisans, and local farmers so let us collectively show them support this month. In celebration of the Farmers Market’s 13th birthday on June 5, the community is urged to come out to support local farmers and artisans, as well as to eat local on this day. This is the end of the farming season and there will still be a great variety of local food to enjoy.
RED, WHITE AND BLUE AMERICANA
May-July, Live Music on July 2 & 3
Downtown Winter Garden
Celebrate America by loving local! From Memorial Day through Independence Day, Downtown will be decked out in patriotic colors and decorations accentuating its small town charm. An ideal holiday setting for patronizing the local shops and restaurants.
To learn more about the Love Local campaign and all the activities, please visit the Official Downtown Winter Garden website, www.downtownwg.com, and follow the City’s official social media platforms, www.facebook.com/officialdowntownwintergarden and www.instagram.com/officialdowntownwintergarden.
The City of Winter Garden will continue to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak within the community and reserves the right to cancel any activities that are not in the best interest of the public health, safety, and welfare of its citizens. Incorporated in 1908, the City of Winter Garden has a population of 48,000 and an employment base of 20,000. Located on the southern shore of Lake Apopka, 20 minutes west of Orlando in Orange County, Winter Garden is considered one of the most desirable places to live in Central Florida because of its small-town charm and unique quality of life. Additional information and resources to help businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic can be found at www.cwgdn.com/35/Business.
