The Season of Small is a celebration of all that is small and beautiful, focused on supporting the small businesses that make this valley special by shopping local, dining local and encouraging people to support local. The season kicks off with Black Friday (November 29) and Small Business Saturday (November 30) and extends through December 24 – Christmas Eve and the day before the start of Hanukkah. Small Business Saturday is just one day and supporting local businesses during the holidays should last the season, not a single day!
Upcoming Chamber holiday promotional efforts
During the holiday season, the chamber provides additional promotional and advertising opportunities for our members.
- “Season of Small” special email newsletter(s)
- 2024 Holiday Happenings page on the chamber’s website – Basalt’s guide to all the different events happening this holiday season
- 2024 “Season of Small” page on the chamber’s website – The chamber’s “Shop Small, Shop Local” guide highlighting all the different promotions, events, fundraisers and gift ideas submitted by our member businesses and nonprofits.
- Special Holiday Events calendar featuring member events
- On-air promotion and advertising on local radio, encouraging the community to support our
- Holiday decorating contest, with a grand prize worth $4,000!
How Members can participate in the Season of Small
- Complete the business participation form to promote your sale, event, and/or gift idea for the Season of Small campaign.
- Enter the holiday decorating contest (more on that below).
- Add all events to our community Calendar of Events. It is best if you log in so that you can better manage events. Check the event category Holiday to appear on our special Holiday event calendar. Instructions. Don’t have an account? Start here.
- Sign your business up for Small Business Saturday
- Leverage special Chamber member advertising rates for discounted holiday promotions – save money and get more customers.
Member businesses and nonprofits who inform the chamber that they are doing something special this holiday season will be promoted by the Chamber in tandem in its upcoming advertising, including marketing efforts tied to the town’s two tree lighting events. The Chamber will be encouraging people to get out and about in Basalt, shopping and dining locally during the season, including the nights of the two tree lightings – December 6 and 13. The tree lightings are an opportunity to get additional foot traffic, if you choose to participate.
- Stay open longer to encourage “late night” shopping
- Provide in-store entertainment or holidays cheer (cookies/hot cocoa/hot cider)
- Host a local art exhibit/artist or other pop-up
- Restaurants – Highlight a drink special or unique dining experience (prix fixe menu, special dinner) – Imagine if each restaurant had a signature cocktail the night of the tree lighting?
- Promote a sidewalk sale or spin a wheel for a chance at a discount
- Coordinate with other businesses to have a scavenger hunt
- Decorate your storefront to make it even more festive and welcoming
- Have a guest bartender or chef that evening
- Contribute to our Gift Guide
This is an opportunity to further promote your business, provide an opportunity to get new customers, reward your loyal clientele and give local residents a reason to walk into your business. Tell the chamber what you will be doing special for the holidays, and we will promote it.
2024 Chamber Holiday Decorating Competition
The Basalt Chamber is hosting a festive holiday decorating contest! Light up business in Basalt and the surrounding area with dazzling decorations and join the holiday spirit. Winners will be recognized for their creativity and festive cheer. Registration is required to be considered for the competition.
Important dates
- Registration Deadline: December 13, 2024 | Registration Form
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Decorations Deadline: December 13, 2024
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Winners announced: Week of December 16, 2024
Prizes
Grand Prize – worth $4,000
- 50 radio commercials on Always Mountain Time’s KSPN or KNFO or KKCH “The Lift FM” – a $2,500 value!
- 1 quarter page ad in both Post Independent AND The Aspen Times, PLUS one-month newsletter ad in Post Independent AND The Aspen Times – a $1,400 value!
- $100 cash from Alpine Bank
- Bragging rights
Second Place – worth $750
- 1 quarter page ad in both Post Independent AND The Aspen Times – a $600 value!
- $150 cash
Contest rules and details
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- Open to both chamber members and non-members who meet the requirements below.
- To participate, businesses must be registered and located within the Town of Basalt’s Urban Growth Boundary, as defined by the Town’s official zoning maps (PDF maps, see pages 77 and 78). This includes all official Basalt addresses and commercial areas directly adjacent to the town line, including sections of El Jebel near Highway 82.
- Only outdoor lighting/decorating and interior window displays will be considered.
- Decorations must be installed in a safe manner, ensuring that sidewalks remain clear of hazards.
- Window displays should be festive and visible from the street, complementing the overall holiday theme of the business.
- All decorations must be up no later than December 13, 2024.
- Photos of the displays will be taken the week following December 13, 2024, during the evening hours. Please ensure your holiday lights are on during this timeframe.
- Ineligibility: Businesses that generate revenue from the sale of holiday decorations, charging admission fees to view holiday decorations, or other directly related products or services are ineligible.
- Contest winners will be announced and prizes awarded in the week of December 16, 2024.