Our Downtown

We've MOVED to a NEW HOME!

2011-12-09T09:29:00.005-07:00

If you're interested in what's happening in Downtown Lethbridge, check out our NEW blog at www.downtownlethbridge.com. We're excited about our new website and invite you to FOLLOW US on Twitter, LIKE US on Facebook and WATCH US on YOUTUBE.

Movie in the Park - Friday & Saturday, Sept. 2-3

2011-09-01T15:56:00.007-06:00

The Downtown Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) is sponsoring another Movie in the Park event this Friday and Saturday, Sept. 2-3 in beautiful Galt Gardens Park. The fun starts at 7:00 p.m. with hula-hoop contests, novelty dances, magician, bounce tent and the BRZ concession (pop 50 cents, popcorn 50 cents - all proceeds to the Soup Kitchen). We're showing the family animated movie 'Kung Fu Panda 2' on Friday and 'Mr. Popper's Penguins' starring Jim Carry on Saturday. Both movies start at 8:45 p.m.. This is a FREE event, so make sure to let all your friends and family know about it.

The weather forecast looks promising and if it gets too hot you can always cool off at the Rotary Centennial Plaza water feature located on the southeast corner of the park. Make sure to bring a lawn chair and a blanket just in case the temperature drops later on in the evening.

Movies in the park are brought to you by downtown businesses as a way of saying 'thank-you' to all of their loyal customers and clients.

For more information on the Movie in the Park event visit www.movieinthepark.ca.

Downtown Lethbridge Farmers' Market returns on July 6 ... expands to 30 vendors!

2011-06-23T09:34:00.018-06:00

This year will mark the 5th year that the Downtown Business Revitalization Zone (DBRZ) and Exhibition Park have partnered on the Downtown Farmers' Market. The market has grown in both size and popularity and we're excited to announce that we're expanding to 30 vendors this year.

Fresh fruits, veggies and other locally produced products will be up for grabs starting on Wednesday, July 6 at Festival Square (just off of 3rd Avenue and 6th Street S.). The markets will begin at 10:00 a.m. and run until 3:00 p.m. We've also expanded the downtown market season and will be hosting markets right until September 14th.

The market has been a welcomed addition to the line-up of DBRZ sponsored events, especially since the departure of the downtown IGA store. People that live and work in, or near, the downtown have the opportunity to pick-up a wide array of locally produced products at our convenient, centrally located market.

Back again this year will be live music by a wide range of artists from the Buskers Association of Lethbridge. The Buskers will also be performing at a variety of other downtown locations as part of the DBRZ's 'Sounds of Downtown' initiative. The live music definitely creates a unique festival atmosphere.

Many of the merchants on 6th Street will be putting out tables during the market. This will provide market attendees with the opportunity to leisurely stroll down the beautifully tree-lined street and check out a variety of other items that our downtown merchants have to offer.

The DBRZ and Exhibition Park will also be selling our own Farmers' Market canvas shopping bags (while quantities last) at our booth. The bags will be selling for $2.00 and will include a coupon for a free bag of popcorn. The DBRZ popcorn cart will be selling popcorn at the market for 50 cents per bag.

So, when you're making plans to travel downtown to take in the Wednesday Farmers' Market, make sure to schedule a bit of time to wander around the rest of downtown to experience everything that are businesses have to offer. We have a great selection of boutique retailers, coffee shops and restaurants to choose from. As well, the Rotary Centennial Plaza water feature in Galt Gardens Park is an excellent place to sit, relax and cool off on a hot summer day.

For more information on the Downtown Farmers' Market, contact the DBRZ at (403) 327-9002 or Exhibition Park at (403) 328-4491.

Chinook-A-Tron Sculpture re-installed in Downtown Lethbridge

2011-06-03T11:06:00.007-06:00

Chinook-A-Tron artist, Alex Pavlenko (right)

Pre-installation inspection (May 2011)

Wranglin' Willie (310 - 6 Street South)

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The Chinook-A-Tron is once again whirling and spinning at its Downtown Lethbridge location on 7th Street South (east side of Foster and Sons Jewellers - 622 - 3 Avenue S.).

Last spring, the first version of this unique sculpture was at the losing end of a battle with one of the strongest southern Alberta winds in recent memory. The Chinook-A-Tron's creator, Alex Pavlenko, rebuilt and reinforced it with a number of new metal supports. The refurbishment will hopefully provide the Chinook-A-Tron with a fighting chance the next time we encounter a major wind storm. Besides the reinforced elements, a few new kinetic pieces were added to the sculpture.

This art project is a partnership between the Downtown Business Revitalization Zone (DBRZ) and the City of Lethbridge. The Chinook-A-Tron is the second in a series of kinetic sculptures that have been commissioned by the DBRZ. The first sculpture, Wranglin' Willie, sits atop a similar pole in front of the DBRZ office (310 - 6 Street South). The goal is to have a number of these whirly-gig type sculptures installed throughout the downtown core. We want to take full advantage of one of the enduring features of Southern Alberta - the wind.

The DBRZ is also working with another local artist, Jason Trotter, on a historic mural depicting an image of one of the many electric streetcars that graced our downtown streets during the turn of last century. This mural project is a joint partnership between the property owners of the installation site (309 - 6 Street S.), DBRZ and the City of Lethbridge's Heart of Our City Revitalization Committee. The mural is expected to completed and installed sometime during the summer of 2011.

Jason is responsible for five other historic murals that have been installed throughout the downtown. Jason stencils photographic images on perforated metal sheets that can be installed, and potentially relocated, on a variety of building surfaces.

For more information on Alex Pavlenko or Jason Trotter, please contact Ted at the DBRZ office - 403-327-9002.

MYSTIQUE in downtown Lethbridge ... an eclectic mix of home decor, jewellery, baby gifts, fashion and art!

2011-03-29T12:02:00.015-06:00

Sharon Nelson

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Sharon Nelson takes us on a tour of her bright, colorful and welcoming boutique retail store on 6th Street S. in Downtown Lethbridge. She recently made the move to the downtown after spending 5 years running her store out of her previous location on 9th Avenue across from St. Michael's Health Centre. Her expanded space has provided her with the opportunity to offer a greater selection of unique items for her many loyal customers.

Mystique Home Decor takes great pride in providing exceptional customer service. Sharon and her staff want to make sure that their customers feel like 'kings and queens' whenever they enter her store.

Mystique's product lines range from home decor to adorable baby clothing to fashionable jewellery to eye-catching art and everything in between. Her passion and eye for design has translated into a store filled with lovely items that appeal to a wide range of tastes and styles.

Sharon recently made an addition to her varied product lines by bringing in a selection of wedding accessories that include beautifully designed jewellery and purses. These unique pieces make the perfect 'thank-you' gifts for mothers of the bride and groom as well as members of the bridal party.

For those looking to spruce up a bedroom or living room wall, Mystique has an excellent selection of art to chose from. Canadian artists such as Angelina Wrona and Camilla d'Errico have been very popular.

Besides her passion for art and design, Sharon has a background in lighting. For those who don't know exactly what they need for that particular space or wall, Sharon offers home consultations to her customers. Sometimes all it takes is the right type of lamp or piece of art to make an impacting, positive change to your home.

So, if you're looking for that special gift or home decor item to make your home pop, make sure to visit Mystique Home Decor at 305 - 6 Street South in downtown Lethbridge. If you can't find the item you're looking for, Sharon will do her best to bring it in for you. For more information on Mystique call Sharon at 403 380-6604.

100 Mile Bike Ride ... a fun event for the whole family!

2011-03-07T11:09:00.011-07:00

Last year's 100 Mile Bike Ride was so much fun that Dr. Bryan Murray and the good folks at Able Dental Group in downtown Lethbridge, have decided to do it again this year.

This year's 100 Mile Bike Ride will take place on Saturday, June 18th (11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). The starting point is the Alberta/BC border with the finish line at the back parking lot of Dr. Murray's Dental Office - Able Dental Group - 515 - 5th Street South. Dr. Murray and his team of volunteers are looking for 100+ bike riders for this year's event. The proceeds will go help out a couple of deserving local charities - Lethbridge Food Bank and Lethbridge Association for Community Living.

If the 100 mile ride sounds like a bit a bit of a stretch and you still want to take part, there are a few options available for you. Novice and beginner riders can choose to do 1/3 or 2/3 of the ride.

Participants will be able to take part in a number of fun family activities at the finish line - kids carnival, face-painting, Astro Jump, games, prize table and much, much more! This is definitely an event that you don't want to miss.

If you're interested in taking part in this great community event and would like more information, please contact Connie at (403) 393-7226. www.abledentalgroup.com

Downtown dance company presents 'An Explosion of World Dance & Music'

2011-01-25T12:55:00.011-07:00

Ammena Dance Company is excited to present their annual show, 'An Explosion of World Dance and Music', on March 5th (starting at 7:00 p.m.) in the Yates Theatre. Everyone is invited to attend an evening of culture. Desserts and drinks served at intermission.

Located in downtown Lethbridge, the Ammena Dance Company is proud to be Lethbridge’s first adult dance and fitness company. They offer over 20 classes each week with over 200 students. They are grateful for all the opportunities and support they receive and for being able to share their love of dance with the people of our community.

Ammena Dance Company was founded in 2004. Their owner, Lise-Anne Talhami, had a vision of bringing the cultural and fitness aspects of dance together to make a unique, exciting workout experience.

By 2007, the studio had grown and students started to show interest in showcasing their new-found talent. This started an annual production, 'An Explosion of World Dance and Music', that brings together local musicians, dancers, and artists.

The first show was held in the intimate settings of the Sterndale Bennett Theatre. There was such a wonderful response from that show, that in March 2008 they moved the show to a larger venue - Yates Memorial Centre for the Performing Arts.

The Company is excited about another great year of bringing dancers from all over Canada to teach workshops, host evening performances as well as working on their new pieces for their annual show.

For more information about the Ammena Dance Company, call (403) 330-9084. Tickets for 'An Explosion of World Dance and Music' can be purchased at the Lethbridge Box Office or by calling (403) 329-7328. www.ammenadance.com

An Exhibition & Sale of Fine Western Art in Downtown Lethbridge

2011-01-13T10:43:00.005-07:00

The public is invited to attend the opening and sale of recent paintings by George Kush at the Mueller Gallery in downtown Lethbridge. The opening will take place on Saturday, January 15th from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. Mr. Kush will be in attendance for the opening and all paintings on display at the exhibition will be available for purchase. The opening will feature live entertainment and a cash bar.

Kush paints deeply researched views of this areas' not too distant past. Historically accurate and skillfully painted, this is beautiful and important work. www.georgekush.ca.

Please contact Stuart at the Mueller Gallery for more information - (403) 328-8170. www.stuartmueller.com.

The Mueller Gallery is located at 105 - 8th Street South.

The 10th Annual Bright Lights Festival in downtown Lethbridge a huge success ... watch our VIDEO!

2010-12-08T14:09:00.011-07:00

Thank-you to everyone who joined us for the 10th Annual Bright Lights Festival and Midnight Madness event in Downtown Lethbridge. Even though the weather was a bit chilly, the event was a huge success and a great time was had by all.

Please click on the link below to watch the video ...

Bright Lights Video YouTube VIDEO

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at the Downtown Business Revitalization Zone (DBRZ)!

O3 FACTOR ... bringing high-quality, fashion-forward clothing & accessories to downtown Lethbridge

2010-12-08T12:53:00.011-07:00

Brad Plausteiner

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Brad and his staff at O3 FACTOR have worked hard to bring high quality men's and women's fashions to downtown Lethbridge for the past 10 years. They pride themselves on keeping up with what is trendy and popular in the world of celebrity fashion. If you've seen it on TV or in a celebrity magazine, O3 FACTOR will probably already have it stocked in their store.

Denim is definitely their focal-point. They offer a variety of different fits, cuts and price points for their discerning customers. With prices starting at around $90.00, the sky is the limit on what they have to offer.

Besides their amazing selection of jeans, O3 FACTOR has an extensive range of tees, sunglasses and other accessories. They carry numerous styles and colours of handbags by leading manufacturers such as Matt & Nat and Guess.

If you're looking for what is hot and trendy in sunglasses, O3 FACTOR is the place to go. They carry an impressive selection of Oakley, Carrera, True Religion and Arnette sunglasses. They also stock Oakley goggles that provide style, comfort and protection while skiing or snowboarding. There are lots of colours and styles to choose from and if they don't have it in stock, they will do their best to get it in for you.

So, if you're looking for something a bit different, something that is trendy, fashion-forward and cutting edge ... then O3 FACTOR is the store for you. Visit them at 104 - 8th Street South (near Chapters on 1st Avenue South) or call (403) 394-0302.

Christmas Meter Plugging Program in Downtown Lethbridge

2010-12-07T11:00:00.005-07:00

December 6th to 24th in Downtown Lethbridge

Sponsored by: City of Lethbridge Heart of Our City Revitalization Committee (HOCRC) and the Downtown Business Revitalization Zone (DBRZ).

As a way of saying 'thank-you' to shoppers during the Christmas season, the HOCRC and DBRZ will be sponsoring the Christmas Meter Plugging Program from December 6-24.

Christmas Ambassadors will be walking throughout the downtown, plugging expired meters and leaving behind a greeting on vehicle windshields, wishing customers a Merry Christmas and thanking them for their patronage. For the majority of businesses, this is the busiest time of the year, so it is important that customers and clients don't receive a parking ticket while visiting the downtown during the Christmas shopping season.

For more information on the program, please contact Ted Stilson - Executive Director, DBRZ (403) 327-9002 or George Kuhl, Downtown Revitalization Manager, City of Lethbridge (403) 320-3926.

Judi brings a passion for contemporary design and style to her eclectic retail store in the heart of downtown Lethbridge

2010-11-03T14:41:00.028-06:00

Judi

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Judi takes us on a tour of her bright, colorful and interesting downtown Lethbridge store. Her unique retail concept is actually two stores in one - Nicholai Home Fashion, a modern, contemporary lifestyle accessories, furniture boutique and Peter & Nelly's Market, comprised of 19 local and area entrepreneurs.

Nicholai has a wide range of contemporary household items that range from mirrors to furniture, pillows to books and a wide range of other unique and colorfully designed accessories that will appeal to a variety of tastes and styles. Some of the well-known lines they carry are Torre & Tagus, Maxwell & Williams, Fatboy and Umbra. They also stock contemporary framed prints by Canadian artists as well as an eclectic selection of design/style books.

The other side of Judi's unique concept store is taken up by Peter & Nelly's Market. The market fills a gap that was left when Homestead Village closed its doors. Each of the merchants in the market rent different sizes of retail space and offer their customers a diverse selection of items. Baby blankets, purses, jewelry, original art, jams/antipasto, framed outdoor photographs by Mike Byneshewsky and much, much more can all be found in this unique little downtown market space.

Each year, Nicholai hosts Lethbridge Fashion Week's Designer Sale. This popular sale of exclusive fashions, showcases designs by our city's top designers and upcoming talent. This year, the Fashion Show will be taking place at the Southern Alberta Art Gallery (SAAG) on Friday, November 26. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $15.00 at SAAG or available at the door on the day of show. Designer Rack Sale - hosted at Nicholai Home Fashion from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information on Fashion Week, visit nicholaihomefashion.blogspot.com.

If you haven't taken the opportunity to visit Nicholai and Peter & Nelly's Market, we encourage you to stop in and visit with Judi and her knowledgeable staff. If they don't have what you're looking for, they'll do their best to find it. They are located at 330 - 7th Street South (between Esquire's and Gentlemen III). For more information, call (403) 327-1447.

10th Annual Bright Lights Festival & Midnight Madness Event in Downtown Lethbridge ... our biggest celebration ever!

2010-11-01T14:06:00.015-06:00

The 10th Annual Bright Lights Festival will kick off the holiday shopping season in downtown Lethbridge on Friday, November 19th. The ceremonial lighting of Galt Gardens Park will take place shortly after the arrival of Santa at approximately 6:00 p.m.

The Downtown Business Revitalization Zone (DBRZ) is especially excited to be partnering with the City of Lethbridge's 'Heart of Our City' and the Cultural Appreciation Society of Alberta (CASA) on this year's lighting of the park. Hundreds of new lights and a choreographed light show have been added in order to help us celebrate the 10th anniversary of this popular community event. The new Christmas lighting feature will add a whole new dimension to the event and the downtown. CASA's Lethbridge Holiday Light Festival will be in operation each evening from November 19 until January 7. A dedicated radio channel (102.7FM) will provide downtown visitors with the opportunity to take in the light show from the comfort of their vehicles while parked around Galt Gardens Park. Visitors are also encouraged to stroll through the park to listen to, and view, the lights close-up.

Besides the amazing Lethbridge Holiday Light Festival, Christmas Movies-in-the-Park will also be back again this year. A variety of classic Christmas movies will be shown from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the pergola area of the park. As well, the traditional hayrides, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, coffee and popcorn will be available (free-of-charge) courtesy of the DBRZ and participating merchants. The U of L's Faculty Brass Quintet and Tuba Christmas will be treating everyone to a live musical performance of classic Christmas tunes.

Midnight Madness will also be taking place in conjunction with the Bright Lights Festival. Participating businesses will be keeping their doors open late on November 19th and providing their valued customers with Midnight Madness specials.

Back again this year will be the London Road Neighborhood Association (LRNA) who will be on hand to sell hot dogs and hamburgers and to take donations for the Lethbridge Shelter & Resource Centre Soup Kitchen. The U of L's Kappa Sigma fraternity will be back again this year to help volunteer for light installation, concessions and take-down/clean-up after the event.

Modernegg will be presenting the 3rd Annual MADE Show+Sale at The Gate (522 - 3rd Avenue S. - old Bank of Montreal building) from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. A collection of local vendors will be selling unique, hand-made items. For more information, call (403) 894-3462.

For more information on the Bright Lights Festival & Midnight Madness event, contact Ted Stilson at the DBRZ at (403) 327-9002.

Historic murals find new homes in downtown Lethbridge

2010-10-14T10:09:00.014-06:00

A series of historic murals by local artist Jason Trotter were installed on buildings in the downtown Lethbridge in 2007. The murals, commissioned as part of a 'Heart of Our City' initiative, depict key historical figures and industry that played a significant role in the development of our city.

The process employed by Jason to create the murals is far from the typical technique used by traditional mural artists. For this project, Jason selected archival photographs (supplied by the Galt Museum & Archives) and then digitally manipulated them into a multi-layer stencil format. Each of the large-scale stencils were then hand cut. The stencils were then used to transfer the image onto steel mesh with paint. This unique mural application allows the buildings substrate to be seen through the work, giving the image a certain tactile quality and ghost-like appearance.

Unlike traditional mural applications, this unique approach, also makes it possible for murals to be moved from one location to another. Unfortunately, a mural that was commissioned for the north side of the Travel Lodge was lost when the building was demolished to make room for the new downtown fire station. A similar situation recently occured when the City of Lethbridge purchased the old IGA building as the new site for a community arts centre that will replace the Bowman Arts Centre. As a result, a new home was required for the 'Black Diamond' mural that was affixed to the west side of the IGA building, prior to its demolition that began in September of this year. We were fortunate enough to find a suitable location on the upper north side of the Wallace Block building on 5th Street. Owners of the building, Malcolm and Bonny Greenshields, were very supportive of the move and are proud to have the mural displayed on their historic building. As well, one of the 'Three Kings' murals also needed a home after the new owner of the Lethbridge Hotel building decided to have the mural removed during renovations. That mural was moved to the west side of the old Bank of Montreal building (The Gate), reuniting it with the other 'Kings'.

Here is a brief description of the history behind each of Jason Trotter's murals;

Three Kings (west side of The Gate building on 3rd Avenue - old Bank of Montreal building) - taken from archival portraiture photographs of Chief Red Crow (Kainai), Chief Sitting Behind An Eagle Tail Feather (Pikuni) and Chief Crowfoot (Siksika). The Chiefs represent the tribes of the Blackfoot Confederacy and the murals pay homage to these great native leaders and the aboriginal population of southern Alberta.

Jock Palmer (south side of Streets Alive building on 4th Street) - John Enderby 'Jock' Palmer was born in Cambridge, England in 1898 and moved to Lethbridge in 1905. Jock joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force during WWI and served gallantly on the battlefields of France before transferring to the Royal Flying Corps where he received his wings and tallied nine aerial combat victories. Upon his return to Lethbridge after the war, Jock flew extensively as a barnstormer, commercial pilot and instructor.

Often described as the 'grandfather of Alberta aviation', Jock also pursued other ventures beyond flying. One of those ventures was the formation of the popular Lethbridge radio station - CJOC.

The upper part of the mural shows Jock posing in front of one of his planes, while the lower half shows an enlarged letter destined to be on the first airmail flight from Lethbridge to Ottawa.

Black Diamond - (upper north side of the Wallace Block - Round Street Cafe building on 5th Street). The unidentified men in this mural proudly pose in front of a coal mine shaft on the banks of what would later become West Lethbridge. Galt Coal was a leader in the coal mining industry which helped to establish Lethbridge.

All-Candidates Forum focuses attention on issues affecting downtown Lethbridge

2010-10-08T10:17:00.015-06:00

The first forum for this year's municipal election was held on September 29 at the Public Library. The much-anticipated forum attracted an overwhelming crowd of citizens who were anxious to hear from candidates for the first time during the election campaign. The campaign will see 30 aldermanic and 6 mayoralty candidates vying for City Council positions.

With just two hours to conduct the forum, candiates were allowed one-minute for an introduction and one-minute for each response (total of two questions per candidate). Although it was a relatively short time-frame for responses, it did provide the public with an opportunity to get to know who the candidates are, what they hope to accomplish if elected and how they feel about downtown revitalization.

The Downtown All-Candidates Forum was designed to ask important questions pertaining to the 'Heart of Our City'. Each media panel member was supplied with two questions that were prepared by the Downtown Business Revitalization Zone (DBRZ). The panel members were also encouraged to pose other questions relating to the downtown and to the greater community.

Although private developers, business owners, property owners and City Council have taken great strides towards the goal of successfully revitalizing our downtown core, there is still much more to accomplish. It is important that the incoming City Council build on the momentum that has already taken place by continuing to support and invest in the development of a clean, safe, attractive and economically viable downtown ... a downtown that our community can take great pride in.

The All-Candidates Forum was sponsored by the DBRZ and the Lethbridge Public Library. Special thanks to Doug McArthur who did an excellent job as moderator, to Marda Schindeler from the Citizen Society Research Lab at the Lethbridge College who helped to develop and compile the questions and data for our City Council Candidate Study questionnaire and to our media panel. The results of the downtown questionnaire will be posted on the Lethbridge College Citizen Society Research Lab www.lethbridgecollege.ca website prior to October 18.

The Municipal Election takes place on Monday, October 18. For more information on the election, visit www.lethbridge.ca.

A Celebration of Art and Music in Downtown Lethbridge

2010-09-20T10:32:00.010-06:00

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Downtown Lethbridge was bursting with a wide array of festivities that exposed southern Albertan's to our local art and music. The Alberta Arts Days celebration (Sept. 17-19) included live music in Galt Gardens Park and other downtown venues. Local dancers, musicians, actors and artisans also joined the celebration with performances and displays of arts and crafts in the park. Although the weather was unseasonably cold and rainy, it didn't deter large numbers of people from attending and enjoying the celebration.

ArtWalk continues to grow with over 50 venues taking part in this popular event. Besides the art on display, ArtWalkers were treated to a number of demonstrations that included block printing, woodburning, glass bead art, textile design, painting and many more. The demonstrations provided onlookers with a glimpse into how artists create. ArtWalkers were encouraged to collect stamps from participating ArtWalk venues to be eligible for a chance to win an original painting by local artist, Ian Randell.

The long-awaited opening of the reconfigured and expanded Southern Alberta Art Gallery (SAAG) coincided with Art Days. The new look SAAG includes a new classroom and library, generous windows that look onto Galt Gardens, a multi-media/video viewing gallery, state-of-the-art lighting, sound and projection equipment. The newly created gathering space is filled with light that is created by the impressive glass-clad facade entrance way. The new SAAG is definitely something that our entire community can take great pride in.

The Alberta Arts Days festivities provided great exposure for our local artists, musicians, performers and artisans. The event definitely illustrated that the arts are alive and well in southern Alberta.

Thanks to all of the organizers and participants who made this celebration such a huge success.

The Galt Museum & Archives offers up an engaging, interactive, stimulating and fun experience for everyone!

2010-08-26T09:37:00.020-06:00

Anine

Just a few of the over 20,000 interesting artifacts in the Galt collection

Hands-on interaction in the Discovery Hall

Temporary exhibit - 'Our Ancestors Have Come to Visit: Blackfoot Shirts'

Volunteers play an important role by cataloguing images and artifacts.

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Located on the west end of 5th Avenue in Downtown Lethbridge, the Galt Museum & Archives definitely shatters the stereotypes that are usually associated with the word 'museum'. Interesting ... yes! Boring ... absolutely not! The Galt is a vibrant gathering place that is designed to fulfill everyone's historical, cultural and educational needs.

The Galt Museum & Archives went through a major expansion in 2004-2005 and was re-opened in 2006. Besides adding much-needed space for their amazing collection of 20,000+ artifacts and 300,000+ documents, the expansion project also included the addition of a bright and expansive Viewing Gallery that overlooks the coulees and the spectacular CPR High Level Bridge. For those looking for a bit of exercise, there is easy access to parks and walking paths that will lead you to the Oldman River Valley.

Although there is always lots to see and do at the Galt, one of the highlights is the hands-on interactive experience in the Discovery Hall. Kids of all ages have a chance to get fully immersed in the history of Southwestern Alberta and the culture of the Kainai people. Visitors are encouraged to take a virtual plane ride over the undulating prairie landscape, dig up the history of the local coal mines, duck under a giant replica of Lethbridge's famous High Level Bridge and so much more. Discovery Hall also has a changing exhibit space that offers something new for visitors who may have visited the Galt on an earlier occasion.

For families, the Galt is the perfect place for children to have fun and 'learn while doing'. At their weekly Saturdays at 1:00 program, families can participate in recent and not-so-recent history and take-home projects. Make sure to ask about their Backpacks, Treasure Hunts and interactive stations ... all designed to make learning fun.

The Galt is well-known for their special events and programs that include an Easter Egg Extravaganza, Whoop-Up Days BBQ, Galt Beer Tasting fundraiser, New Year's Eve Party, film screenings, Halloween and Christmas events. Like I said, the Galt isn't a stereotypical museum. Although they definitely take history seriously, they are all about bringing the past alive and making learning interesting and enjoyable.

For those that are serious about history, the Galt has a professionally trained collections and archives staff. Services from preservation advice to object research are offered by appointment and they are always interested in speaking to people about donations of 2 and 3-dimensional materials.

The Museum Store offers a wide selection of unique Southern Alberta and exhibition-related gifts, books and souvenirs, including Ammolite - Lethbridge's official gemstone. Visitors have an opportunity to purchase a wide selection of hand-crafted glass works, pottery, jewellery, textiles, prints and photographs by local artists. Visitors can begin or end their visit with a Galt Blend Coffee, roasted locally, in the Viewing Gallery.

For information about hours of operation, admission fees and group tours, visit www.galtmuseum.com. Call the Galt at (403) 320-4258 or (403) 320-3954.

Owl Acoustic Lounge ... a great place to visit in Downtown Lethbridge for live music, local art and tasty food!

2010-08-20T13:46:00.010-06:00

STEVEN

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Steve Foord and his partners offer their customers a new twist on live music in Lethbridge. Their goal is to showcase the wealth of artistic talent our city has to offer ... both visual and performing. They've created a unique venue that definitely shows a strong passion and commitment towards music, art and food. Everything about the 'Owl' has a local flavour, right down to the uniquely crafted stage that was handcrafted by a local artisan. Although the Owl Acoustic Lounge has only been open for a relatively short period time, it has already gained a solid reputation for quality.

Located in the old O'Riley's Restaurant space in the historic Whitney Block building on 3rd Avenue South, the 'Owl' is the place to go for live music, local art and great food. High ceilings, soothing colors, stimulating art, great music and tasty food, all combine to create a very cool dining experience.

The menu is chock-full of tantelizing treats such as their incredible BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, Beer & Cheese Soup and the indulgent, but out-of-this-world good, Burger Stack (beef patty topped with BBQ smoked pork, cheddar cheese and all the fixings).

Each week the owners of the 'Owl' shine a light on the enormous amount of talent our city has to offer. They want their customers to see new bands and experience music that you didn't even know you enjoyed. They want you to see your favorite bands and entertainers in a way you haven't seen them before.

When you're looking for a fresh experience, make sure to check out the Owl Acoustic Lounge at 411 - 3rd Avenue South. They are open Monday to Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until closing with 'live music' every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (no cover charge ... ever!). Free wireless internet is also available. Phone 403-942-1770 for more information.

Movie in the Park Event in Downtown Lethbridge

2010-08-05T13:17:00.010-06:00

The Downtown Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) is sponsoring another Movie in the Park event this Saturday, August 7 in beautiful Galt Gardens Park. The fun starts at 8:00 p.m. with hula-hoop contests, Air Guitar Hero, and give-a-aways. We're showing the family movie 'Furry Vengeance' starting at approximately 9:45 p.m. This is a FREE event, so make sure to let all your friends and family know about it.

The weather forecast looks promising and if it gets too hot you can always cool off at the Rotary Centennial Plaza water feature located on the southeast corner of the park. Make sure to bring a blanket and lawn chair. Many of the local downtown businesses will be open late if you need to pick up a cold drink after enjoying a bag of BRZ popcorn. All proceeds from the sale of BRZ popcorn will go to a local charity.

For more information on the Movie in the Park event visit www.movieinthepark.ca.

L.A. Gallery ... providing quality custom framing & exceptional service for the past 17 years

2010-07-12T15:05:00.031-06:00

CASSANDRA

MOLLY

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Cassandra Hueser and Molly Elliot took us on a tour of L.A. Gallery and talked to us about what makes their downtown Lethbridge store 'the place' for custom framing needs in southern Alberta.

L.A. Gallery was started by Lori Strom in 1993. Lori has always prided herself on providing her customers with exceptional customer service, professional advice, expert craftsmanship and a great selection of limited edition prints and posters. L.A. Gallery's staff of four have a combined total of 28 years of experience in the art and custom-framing business.

L.A. Gallery has an expansive selection of acid-free and conservation options to choose from - 1,200 mat board samples and 5,000 frames. They also stock a wide variety of limited edition prints and posters. If they don't have what you're looking for in the store, you can peruse their comprehensive selection of print catalogues.

They enjoy the challenge of working on something that they have never framed before and have gained significant experience as a result of the numerous unusual objects they've framed in the past i.e. football pants, movie props, dueling pistols, license plates, dead snakes ... you name it and they've probably framed it.

L.A. Gallery recommends that people frame or consider re-framing their artwork, not just for aesthetic value, but also to conserve it for generations to come. People will often look at an old picture they've had framed and wonder why they chose a particular color, however most of the time the matting and/or artwork has faded over time and it no longer suits the picture anymore. With L.A. Gallery's acid-free backing/mat board and UV blocking glass, neither the matting or artwork will fade.

Make sure to watch for their 'Friday the 13th' sale events. They offer 20% OFF custom framing orders as well as a variety of savings on in-stock items.

L.A. Gallery is located on historic Round Street in Downtown Lethbridge - 421 - 5 Street South. For more information call (403) 380-4556 or email them at info@thelagallery.com.

Opening day of the 2010 Downtown Farmers' Market attracts large crowds!

2010-07-08T10:02:00.012-06:00

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The 2010 Downtown Farmers' Market opened yesterday to enthusiastic patrons. The downtown market was developed through a partnership between the Downtown BRZ, Exhibition Park and the City of Lethbridge. This is the 5th year that the Farmers' Market has been in downtown Lethbridge and it is definitely growing in both size and popularity.

The market has been a welcomed addition to the downtown experience. Business owners, employees and residents from neighbouring areas such as London Road look forward to the start of the Downtown Farmers' Market.

Farmers' Market visitors were treated to top-notch live music courtesy of the Buskers Association and the Downtown Lethbridge BRZ. The Downtown BRZ was excited to unveil their new popcorn cart to the public.

Opening day featured 21 vendors that included; Darz Barz Baked Goods, Tia's Chuckwagon Baked Goods, Ecuadorinkas, Elusis Beads, JAG Jewellery, Epicure Spices and Dips, the Lighthouse Bakery, Armada Colony, Jewels of Magnetic Therapy, Stella and Dot Jewellery, Broxburn Vegetables, New Rock Port Colony, Ammonite and Gemstone Jewellery, Richard Law's Okanagan Fresh Fruit, Luna Fresca and many more!

The market takes place every Wednesday, July 7 to September 15 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. It's located on Festival Square between 3rd and 4th Avenue on 6th Street South.

For more information, call the Business Revitalization Zone office at (403) 327-9002 or Exhibition Park at (403) 317-3219.

Serious Music in downtown Lethbridge ... where musicians come to play!

2010-05-18T09:08:00.017-06:00

The rare and unique Galveston 8-string bass guitar (left-hand)

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Serious Music Centre manager, Chuck Lawson, took some time out of his busy day to talk to us about what makes their downtown Lethbridge store such a popular destination with southern Alberta musicians. Chuck points out that although they specialize in used guitars/instruments, they also carry a wide selection of new products and equipment including Peavey (full line), G&L, Fender, Alverez and many more.

One of the highlights of the 'serious' tour was seeing an 8-string, left-hand, Galveston bass guitar. In all his years in the music business, Chuck has never seen anything like it. It's definitely a must see for fans of unique musical instruments.

'Serious' caters to musicians of all skill levels. Their mission is to provide the best equipment, the best service at the best price ... and they stand by that. They 'refuse to be undersold' and do their best to beat any locally advertised price by 10% for 30 days from date of purchase.

Serious Music Centre is located on the lower level of the King of Trade - 317 - 5th Street South. If you're a 'serious' musician, you'll want to check out their store. Give one of their friendly and knowledgeable staff a call at (403) 320-6424.

Draffins Pharmasave makes the 'historic' move to a new downtown Lethbridge location

2010-05-05T12:04:00.023-06:00

Archival photo - c. 1950's
Draffins Pharmacy on the southeast corner of 4th Ave. & 5th St. S.

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We took the opportunity to meet with Mike Ramsdell to talk about his recent move to the historical S.S. Kresge building on Round Street (5th Street S.). Prior to the move, Draffins had been located near the east entrance of Lethbridge Centre since the mall opened in 1974. The move provided them with the opportunity to double their retail and office space.

Mike and his wife Cara nee Draffin have been involved in the family business for the past decade, and took full ownership of the pharmacy a couple of years ago from her father, Rod. The Draffin family has owned and operated the pharmacy for over 80 years. They have always prided themselves on offering a wide range of products and professional pharmaceutical services to their many valued customers.

Although a lot of the initial rehabiliation of the interior and exterior of the S.S. Kresge building took place in 2004, it still took Mike and Cara approximately five months of demolition and renovation work to realize their vision for the new pharmacy. They wanted to ensure that the renovation was sensitive to the historic character of the original building. Rather than simply replace the wooden doors with contemporary automatic doors, they went to the extra expense of installing custom built maple doors in order to meet their requirements. They also added character fascia and projecting signage that included historic materials such as neon and metal. The result, a new, state-of-the-art pharmacy that is brimming with character and charm.

Because of their significant investment in the new location, they are now able to offer their customers a greater selection of products and services, including a private health-care counselling room.

The next time that you're downtown, make sure to check out their new location - 319 - 5th Street South (just a few doors down from the Penny Coffee House). Phone (403) 327-3364.

She Boutique ... a unique store that offers a great selection of stylish, well-made and affordable apparel & accessories

2010-04-19T09:57:00.024-06:00

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She Boutique recently opened its doors for business on 6th Street in downtown Lethbridge. The store is already creating a buzz with customers who are excited about their excellent selection of stylish and affordable women's apparel and accessories.

The boutique is owned and operated by Marijke (Mar-y-ka) Reitsma. Marijke has been creating and designing clothes her entire life. She has applied her artistic talents and passion to a variety of creative outlets such as antique furniture restoration, classic car interior refurbishment, leather garments and jewellery. Prior to opening She Boutique, Marijke was the owner and head designer for Fitz Clothing Company which supplied upscale cotton clothing to boutiques across Canada and the U.S.

Creating accessories particularly appeals to Marijke because it requires attention to detail, color and texture ... her favorite trio. Marijke brings an interesting combination of art and craftsmanship to each of her creations. Only the finest materials are used in her handcrafted products that span both classic and contemporary designs.

She Boutique has provided Marijke with an excellent opportunity to showcase her personal flair for fashion. She enjoys helping her customers put together the perfect outfit for any occasion. Marijke and her knowledgeable staff pride themselves on offering a fun shopping experience combined with exceptional service and great selection. The store caters to the astute shopper who is looking for quality style at an affordable price.

Besides her own creations, Marijke has brought in a unique collection of clothing and accessory lines by H&J, Vejaiz, Fitz, Verucci, Venoto and Anne Marie Chagnon. There's something for everyone at her unique store with sizes ranging from 0-24. Scarves, handbags, belts, jewellery and quality fashions can all be found at She Boutique.

Make sure to visit She Boutique - 313 - 6 Street, South, Downtown Lethbridge. Phone (403) 942-4600.

Schnitzelhaus ... a little bit of Austria in downtown Lethbridge

2010-02-25T11:31:00.021-07:00

Team Schnitzelhaus - Devon and Omid

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Although the Schnitzelhaus is a relatively new business to downtown Lethbridge, fast-food schnitzel restaurants are quite common in Austria - catering to their love for this tasty dish. The Schnitzelhaus' owner, Omid, brought the idea to Canada from Austria, where he lived for 12 years.

Schnitzel is a traditional Austrian dish and is a popular part of Viennese and Austrian cuisine. Schnitzel consists of a thin slice of meat coated in flour, egg wash, breadcrumbs, which is then fried. Variants of this popular dish are common around the world. Sshhnit-tsel ... that’s all there is too it. No tricks. No silent letters. Surprisingly, it even sounds the way it's spelled.

In Austria, the dish called Wiener Schnitzel (Viennese Schnitzel), is traditionally served with a lemon slice, lingonberry jam and either potato salad or potatoes with parsley and butter. While the traditional Wiener Schnitzel is made of veal, it is now sometimes made with pork or chicken. When schnitzel is prepared using pork, it is often called Wiener Schnitzel vom Schwein (Austria) to differentiate it from the original. In Austria, the term Wiener Schnitzel is protected by law, and any schnitzel called by that name has to be made from veal.

Omid has put his own 'Canadian' twist on the traditional Austrian schnitzel and offers it to his customers in a variety of different combinations using either pork or chicken cutlets - Cordon Bleu (with ham and cheese), Hawaiian Cordon Bleu (with ham, cheese and pineapple), Emmentaler (cheese schnitzel), Rio Grande Cordon Bleu (with double ham and cheese); the popular Puzsta Cordon Bleu (with salami, cheese and red peppers) and Bauern Cordon Bleu (with bacon, onion and cheese). Although you can order your schnitzel on a plate with traditional mashed potatoes and a lemon slice, you can also opt to have it on a bun with french fries or poutine.

The next time you're in downtown Lethbridge and your looking for something a little different, make sure to check out the Schnitzelhaus located next to the Pita Pit (across from beautiful Galt Gardens Park) - 303 - 6th Street South. The Schnitzelhaus also offers home delivery service - call (403) 942-1500.

'Tour the World' at Ten Thousand Villages in Downtown Lethbridge

2010-02-12T11:44:00.010-07:00

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Ten Thousand Villages is located in the heart of downtown Lethbridge on historic 'Round Street', in a beautifully renovated space next door to one of downtown Lethbridge's most popular meeting spots - The Penny Coffee House.

The newly renovated space, completed in 2008, provides customers with a warm and inviting atmosphere that's ideal for showcasing their wide selection of products. Customers are treated to a store that is filled with the vibrant colors, scents and textures of fairly-traded, uniquely handcrafted products that their non-profit organization has gathered from around the world. Their friendly and knowledgable staff take great delight in taking customers on a 'tour of the world' and inform them about fair-trade products and how it positively affects the lives of their many artisans and producers.

A history of helping artisans - Ten Thousand Villages began in 1946 when Edna Ruth Byler, a Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) worker, visited volunteers in Puerto Rico who were teaching sewing classes in an effort to help improve the lives of women living in poverty.

From this trip, Edna brought several pieces of embroidery home to sell to friends and neighbours. The pieces became quite popular and she soon added cross-stitch needlework from Palestinian refugees and hand-carved Haitian woodenware to her inventory.

In the early 1970s, the flourishing project moved out of Byler’s basement and became Selfhelp Crafts, an official MCC program. Thousands of loyal customers and volunteers have helped to build this program into the strong alternative trading organization that, in 1996, became known as Ten Thousand Villages.

Commerce with a conscience - Men and women around the world have a simple dream – to earn an honest living, provide a home, food and education for their children, and to be gainfully employed in a job that brings dignity and joy. Ten Thousand Villages partners with thousands of talented artisans in a healthy business relationship.

Often referred to as ‘Fair Trade,' their philosophy of helping to build a sustainable future is based on the principle that trade should have a conscience. Through Fair Trade, artisans receive respect, dignity and hope from working hard and earning fair value for their work.

Ten Thousand Villages is a Fair Trade Organization (FTO). FTOs are non-governmental organizations designed to benefit artisans, not to maximize profits. They market products from handicraft and agricultural organizations based in low-income countries, providing consumers with products that have been fairly purchased from sustainable sources.

Their beliefs guide their business - Ten Thousand Villages is a member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), a global network of Fair Trade Organizations. WFTO’s mission is to improve the livelihood and well-being of disadvantaged producers by linking and promoting Fair Trade organizations and speaking out for greater justice in world trade. Over 270 FTOs in 60 countries form the basis of this network.

Ten Thousand Villages is located at 329 - 5th Street South. For more information, contact the store at (403) 327-8077 or visit them online at www.tenthousandvillages.ca.

Painted Cottage ... your first stop in downtown for unique giftware and home decor!

2010-02-01T12:22:00.029-07:00

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Painted Cottage started out with a simple mission - to build and sell custom-made furniture pieces that incorporated vintage reclaimed wood, glass and hardware. Husband and wife, Neil and Sandra Hahn, opened their business in Lethbridge Centre in 2003. Although their custom designed furniture is still very popular with customers, their business has developed into much more than what they originally planned on. Today, the store is one of downtown Lethbridge's favorite destination locations, catering to discriminating shoppers looking for unique gifts and home decor.

They recently made the move from Lethbridge Centre to 320 - 6th Street South. Their new store offers great storefront visibility and it's spacious, open-design is ideal for showcasing their extensive selection of product lines such as Willow Tree sculpture, Bearington Baby Collection, Marie Collection, Espe, LUG, Gourmet Village, The Cocoa Room, World Traveler Bracelets, Gourmet Village and many, many more.

Next time you're in downtown Lethbridge make sure to stop in at Painted Cottage. Neil and Sandra pride themselves on offering exceptional customer service and one of the widest selections of gifts and home decor in southern Alberta. For more information, visit their website at www.paintedcottage.org or call them at (403) 394-1704. Painted Cottage - #320 - 6th Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta

Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year from the Downtown Business Revitalization Zone!

2009-12-21T11:41:00.005-07:00

The Downtown Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) would like to take this opportunity to wish all of its valued customers and clients a safe, enjoyable holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

Free Two-hour Parking for Christmas Shoppers!

2009-12-10T13:16:00.006-07:00

City Council recently approved a recommendation by the Downtown BRZ and the Downtown Redevelopment Steering Committee (DRSC) to provide two-hour regulated parking in the downtown for the Christmas shopping season. During this period of time, shoppers will not have to plug meters and will have up to two-hours to dine, meet for coffee or stroll through the downtown searching for that perfect gift.

The two-hour regulated parking will be in effect from December 7-25, 2009. The parking meters included in the program will be covered for the entire duration, with bags displaying a two-hour parking sign. If a parking meter is not covered, it is in operation. This includes all 38 minute and 10-hour parking meters, as well as, a small number of parking meters adjacent to businesses who have requested that their meters remain in operation.

Lethbridge Shelter clients making a 'clean sweep' of downtown Lethbridge

2009-12-03T10:47:00.016-07:00

The Downtown Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) is proud to be involved in a great program that is having a significant impact on the downtown experience. For years, the BRZ and the City of Lethbridge have struggled with keeping sidewalks, gutters and lanes free of debris. Although the Summer Ambassador Program, which employs high school students, does an excellent job of keeping our streets clean from July through August, the build-up of unsightly garbage during the balance of the year was an ongoing challenge. The Employment Rejuvenation Program (ERP) has changed all of that. The program is a partnership between the Lethbridge Shelter and Resource Centre, the City of Lethbridge (Downtown Redevelopment Steering Committee - DRSC) and the BRZ.

Besides a cleaner downtown, a variety of social benefits are realized as a result of this important program. Shelter clients are paid a minimum wage for the hours they spend cleaning our streets and lanes. The program helps to provide participating clients with the tools necessary to become more employable and to eventually re-enter the workforce. It also provides them with the opportunity to give back to our community.

Everyone is a winner as a result of this program. The community benefits because the downtown is much cleaner. The clients benefit because it has positively impacted their lives in a variety of ways.

Many individuals from the business community have made the point to interact with the ERP members by saying thank-you and offering coffee on cold winter mornings. Others, such as Les from LOGOS Embroidery have supplied hoodies to the ERP team, to go along with coveralls that were recently provided by the BRZ.

Here are a few comments that have been received in response to the program;

"It was a delight coming to work each day during the summer season with the streets clean for the first-time since I have been working in the downtown. My customers also commented on the lack of garbage swirling around in the winds. Thanks very much for cleaning up the downtown core ... it is very much appreciated."

"They are doing such an excellent job, that I wanted to say 'thank-you' to the City of Lethbridge for hiring them and to the men and women who are getting up that early and doing such a good job. I hope that everyone who comes across them will give them a wave and tell them 'thanks' for their hard work. It is a real pleasure now to walk through the downtown."

"As a citizen born and raised in Lethbridge, may I extend a heartfelt thank-you to all the wonderful workers who clean our downtown streets. You are indeed a very special group of workers who do a very important service in this community. Our downtown streets have never looked better or cleaner. Please know that you are so very much appreciated!"

The Shoe Tree ... where shoes are everything!

2009-11-20T10:05:00.025-07:00

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Jan Kostiw from The Shoe Tree takes some time out of her day to walk us around her store located on the beautiful, tree-lined Festival Square (6th Street South) in downtown Lethbridge.

She started her retail shoe business in 1999 on 4th Avenue. Jan built it from scratch ... contacting suppliers, designing, painting and renovating her new store. After a number of successful years of operation as a tenant in her 4th Avenue space, she recently made the move to her own heritage building on 6th Street. Once again, this new, larger space had to be totally renovated and remodelled. The result ... one of most inviting retail spaces in the downtown core.

Jan and her experienced staff, Kim and Cassie, take great pride in providing their customers with exceptional product knowledge and service. They always strive to make a difference with their customers and to create a positive shopping experience.

Although the store is located in a relatively small city, Jan has managed to stock her store with a 'little bit of everything' in order to satisfy the needs of her customers (Ecco, Franko Sarto, Birkenstock, Hush Puppies, Due Fratelli, Trotters, Sofft, Miss Mac, Romika, NAOT, El Natura Lista, Miz Mooz, MBT, Clarks and many, many other great shoe lines). From dress shoes, to walking shoes, to shoes with removeable footbeds and everything in-between, The Shoe Tree is 'the place' for shoes in Lethbridge. Although her customers are predominantly women, she also carries an impressive selection of quality men's shoes (Merrell, Echo, Rockport and Blundstone from Australia).

Besides shoes, they 'love' their boots and handbags at The Shoe Tree and so do their customers. From flat to high heel, from mid-heel to wedge ... they stock an impressive selection of boots. While in the store make sure to check out their great selection of handbags by Derek Alexander and stunning, custom-crafted handbags by a new, up-and-coming designer from Montreal - Mary-Ann Keverian (Miss MAK).

When you're in the market for new shoes or are looking for something to compliment your wardrobe, make sure to stop into The Shoe Tree in downtown Lethbridge - 326 - 6th Street South.

For more information about The Shoe Tree, call (403) 328-9484.

Blueprint Entertainment ... Downtown Lethbridge's independent record store

2009-11-17T12:09:00.020-07:00

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Opened in 2006, Blueprint Entertainment was the brainchild of Mike Molloy and friend/business partner Jorden Ager. Although Jorden has since left to pursue another career (current Station Manager at CKXU - U of L's campus/community radio station), Mike has continued to successfully operate Lethbridge's only independent record store.

Mike has exemplified the true meaning of entrepreneurship. His love for music and the inability to find the records he was looking for at local stores, led to the creation of Blueprint Entertainment. He had a vision and brought it to life with a lot of hard work and determination. It's the perfect business for Mike because he's passionate about independent music and that's what his store is all about.

Although he stock's a selection of DVD's, VHS tapes and console games (XBox 360, PlayStation, ColecoVision, etc), independent/local rock music is the store's stock-in-trade. He also carries a selection of independent blues, country, folk, world music, classical, metal and punk. Mike primarily stocks used goods (buy, sell and trade), however the store also carries a varied selection of new release CD's and vinyl records. Mike shy's away from top 40 and leaves that to the retail chain record stores.

Mike has created a unique store that caters to a niche market ... exactly the type of business that sets downtown Lethbridge apart. Blueprint has been well-received by southern Alberta audiophiles and its list of patrons continues to grow.

Besides the retail side of the business, Mike also works with live-music venues such as The Slice, Henotic and the Blarney Stone to host and promote independent bands. Mike works extremely hard at promoting local music and musicians. The music scene in southern Alberta is strong and Blueprint Entertainment is doing its best to keep it that way.

So, if you're looking for a wide selection of music that goes beyond 'top 40', Blueprint Entertainment is well-worth the visit - 519 - 4th Avenue South.

For more information on Blueprint Entertainment, phone 403 320-8333.

2009 Bright Lights Festival set for November 20 in beautiful Galt Gardens Park

2009-11-12T13:20:00.008-07:00

The Annual Bright Lights Festival will kick-off the holiday shopping season on Friday, November 20th in beautiful Galt Gardens Park. Santa arrives at 6:00 p.m. and Mayor Tarleck will flick the switch to light one of the largest trees at 6:30 p.m. Santa will then take time out from his hectic schedule to chat with his fans and find out who has been 'naughty' and who has been 'nice'.

Back by popular demand this year will be 'Christmas Movies in the Park'. We will be showing a number of Christmas classics during the evening.

Besides Santa and the movies, the traditional hayrides, hot chocolate, hot apple cider and popcorn will be available to attendees, free of charge, courtesy of the Downtown BRZ and participating merchants.

Our Midnight Madness event will also be taking place in conjunction with the Bright Lights Festival. Participating merchants will keep their doors open late and will be providing their valued customers with specials.

So, bundle up the kids and head downtown to take in the lights and festivities on November 20th.

For more information, contact the Downtown BRZ at 403 327-9002.

Downtown Business Revitalization Zone featured in Lethbridge Living Magazine

2009-11-03T15:45:00.008-07:00

The Downtown is the featured 'cover story' in the lastest issue of Lethbridge Living Magazine.

Here's a short excerpt from the 'City Centered' story by Amanda Berg ...
The culture of Downtown Lethbridge has changed over the years thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Downtown Business Revitalization Zone (Downtown BRZ) and support from the City of Lethbridge. The community has embraced the changes to the downtown core, and with a 10 per cent vacancy rate today, compared to 35 per cent in 2000, it's proof Lethbridge residents are frequenting downtown more than ever. "The downtown is our identity, a connection to our past. It is the lifeblood of our community," says Managing Coordinator for the Downtown BRZ and Lethbridge Main Street Project, Ted Stilson. "If you travel to cities around the world, you go to the downtown to see what the community is about - to experience the culture." Downtown BRZ wants to prove Lethbridge is no different.

Lethbridge Living Magazine is published six times per year and reaches over 45,000 readers at homes and businesses throughout Southwestern Alberta.

Copies of the November/December issue can be picked up at Lethbridge Living - 1518 - 3rd Avenue South or at the BRZ office - 310 - 6th Street South.

The Round Street Cafe ... a childhood dream come true for Bonny

2009-11-02T15:33:00.015-07:00

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Although Bonny spent the majority of her adult life as a Special Education teacher at Winston Churchill High School, her dream to open her own cafe started in her hometown of Saskatoon when she was just three years of age. Her dream came true in 2004 when Bonny and her husband, Malcolm, purchased the Wallace Block on 5th Street South (historic Round Street). Not only do they own the building and operate a successful cafe, they also live upstairs in their beautifully restored, loft-style home.

The Round Street Cafe has been a popular destination from the day it opened. The home-baked food is excellent and the atmosphere is relaxing. The baked goods are made fresh each morning and the homemade soups and sandwiches are incredibly tasty. There's even an option for a 1/2 sandwich if you aren't in the mood for a full lunch. The list of regular customers continues to expand, however the friendly, welcoming service has remained constant. It's definitely a place where friends meet.

Bonny credits much of her success to the help of local coffee expert, Al Anctil (Cupper's Coffee & Tea). Al has provided her with great advice, state-of-the-art brewing equipment and, best of all, flavorful, aromatic, locally-roasted coffee that keeps her customers satisfied.

So, if you're looking for a great place to meet while enjoying home-made soups, flavorful coffee, sandwiches, pies, desserts and wireless internet ... make sure to stop in at the Round Street Cafe - 427 - 5th Street South. Phone (403) 381-8605. Check out their menu at www.muchmenus.com.

Professional Optical ... taking vision to a whole new level!

2009-10-30T11:17:00.017-06:00

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Bruce Plausteiner talks to us about his full-service vision-care business that has been a fixture in downtown Lethbridge for the past 36 years. The 'exceptional' service that he provides is the epitome of what has made 'our downtown' so successful. Bruce takes great pride and joy in having served his many clients as an optician for over 40 years.

Professional Optical has become a popular destination for designer eyewear. They have an incredible selection of frames and sunglasses from some of today’s hottest designers - Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Oakley, Prada, Dior, Gucci, Bulgari.

Bruce and his knowledgeable and friendly staff have a wealth of experience in fitting contact lenses for our dry and windy climate. If you're finding that your contacts are dry ... they can help. Whatever contact lens brand you wear, they carry it - Acuvue, CibaVision, CooperVision, Bausch & Lomb and many more!

Professional Optical has a full dispensary on site, so most single vision glasses are ready to be picked up in an hour.

They specialize in digital multifocal fittings. You'll love their Progressive Lenses ... they guarantee it!

Professional Optical carries the finest lenses and coatings available worldwide - Nikon, Essilor, Zeiss and more!

The next time you're looking for new frames, sunglasses or contact lenses, make sure to stop into Professional Optical on the corner of 1st Avenue and 8th Street South in Downtown Lethbridge. Phone 403 - 327-3444.

For more information, visit them at www.finditdowntown.ca.

Fall issue of the Downtown Tabloid hits the streets!

2009-10-09T12:10:00.010-06:00

The Fall issue of the downtown tabloid is filled with a number of interesting stories. 'A Delicious Combo' focuses on the many 'mini' galleries that are popping up throughout the downtown core - Zim's Place, Tompkins Jewellers, Sterling Mutual, The Studio, etc. New businesses such as Anna Banana, Bento Bowl and Fighter Wear are also featured in this jam-packed issue. If you haven't read the latest issue, make sure to pick one up at our office - 310 - 6 Street South.

We've included the entire 'What's Up Downtown' story by Ted Stilson, Managing Coordinator for the Downtown Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) and Lethbridge Main Street Project.

What's Up Downtown

I'm excited! Why? Because I'm pleased to say that a lot of great things are happening in our downtown. Downtown Lethbridge is a busy place and many people are discovering that there are a lot of positive things to see and do. Whether they've stumbled upon a new restaurant, boutique or coffee shop, more and more people are experiencing a downtown that is full of life.

The transition from a struggling area to a revitalized downtown took a relatively short period of time. It's only been a decade since the BRZ, Lethbridge Main Street Project and the City of Lethbridge started to work diligently towards the common goal of making the downtown a better place to visit, shop, work, invest and do business.

I can honestly say that we're beginning to realize our vision - the creation of a strong, vibrant and economically viable downtown that our community can take great pride in. Storefronts have been filled and businesses are thriving. Do we still have a lot more to accomplish? Absolutely, however we've shown that a concerted effort by a host of players can definitely bring about positive change.

People have often asked me why it's so important to invest so much time, effort and resources into the downtown. The answer is quite simple ... a revitalized downtown is an important part of the identity of a community. A downtown is the heart and lifeblood of a community and our 'heart' has a strong beat.

Our historic buildings, businesses and institutions set us apart from other cities. In today's homogenous world, our unique architecture and diverse business community definitely set us apart. When our downtown buildings and streets are filled with people, we have a place that is truly special.

Early visionaries such as Glen Campbell and Jean Johnstone helped spark an interest with developers, members of City Council and business owners. Millions of dollars have been invested in buildings and infrastructure in the downtown core since 2000 and more is being planned for the near future.

Glen often described the downtown as a large jigsaw puzzle. If we were successful in getting others excited about the 'downtown puzzle', we could complete the picture a lot sooner and we're doing just that. The pieces are coming together and lots of people are participating in the completion of the revitalization picture.

We've attracted new visitors through events such as the Wednesday Farmer's Market, Movies in the Park and the Bright Lights Festival. Beautiful Galt Gardens Park has regained its rightful place as one of our main community gathering places as a result of the popular Rotary Centennial Plaza water feature that opened last year.

Where do we go from here? Well, we need to get the word out to more people who haven't discovered all the great things that our downtown has to offer. We also need to ensure that we continue to build on the momentum that has been created over the past decade. Although a revitalized downtown picture is starting to emerge, we still have a few pieces of the puzzle that have yet to be put in place. We encourage you to spread the news about your positive downtown experience, because word-of-mouth is the best form of advertising we can get.

The Studio and Miller Gallery - the downtown 'candy store for the creative'

2009-09-30T11:43:00.033-06:00

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The Studio and The Miller Gallery have thrived in the heart of downtown Lethbridge since 1989. This popular art retailer and gallery offers a wide selection of art supplies and local art.

Nadine and Jill have enjoyed serving the creative community by offering a diverse product range. They are well-known for providing courteous and knowledgeable customer service with a keen ability to inspire creativity through the thoughtful presentation of merchandise. Their 5th Street business is well-stocked with an ever-growing range of established product lines.

The Miller Gallery offers an amazing selection of art created by talented local artists such as Judith Nikol, Annette Nieukerk, Julie Duschenes and Jill Moloy. Art may be purchased at the store or via The Miller Gallery online store.

Nadine and Jill also offer a wide range of art instruction classes and workshops (silkscreening, airbrushing, acrylic painting, etc.) that cater to all ages and ability levels.

Whether you're the creative one or just shopping for someone who is, you will definitely enjoy your visit.

The Studio and The Miller Gallery are located at 407 A - 5th Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.

For more information, phone 403-329-1050 or visit them online at www.finditdowntown.ca or www.themillergallery.ca.

Alex Pavlenko fills the downtown Lethbridge landscape with his whimsical art

2009-09-22T15:15:00.016-06:00

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The Downtown Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) has worked with local artist, Alex Pavlenko, on a number of art projects over the past few years. The first commissioned piece, 'Gabriel Versus the West Wind', was installed on the north side of the King of Trade (5th Street South) building in 2003. This whimsical mural added some much-needed visual appeal and interest to the colorless laneway. The second piece of artwork entitled 'Destiny Manifesting' (aka 'buffalo mural') was placed on the east side of the Bell Intrigna building (next to Langenberg Optical) on 3rd Avenue in 2004.

Over the years, the Downtown BRZ has attempted to add additional color and vibrancy to the downtown through the use of fabric windsocks. Due to our strong winds and intense sunlight, the lifespan for fabric windsocks was relatively short (usually one season). As a response to this, the BRZ commissioned Alex to build kinetic wind sculptures. These metal sculptures are designed to be part of the downtown landscape for a significantly longer period of time.

The first sculpture, entitled 'Wranglin' Willie', was installed in front of the BRZ office on 6th Street South in 2007. The 'Wranglin' Willie' pilot character spins and bucks on top of the metal 'Wind Eater' windsock. 'Wranglin' Willie' was a huge hit with curious shoppers and visitors and drew a lot of positive attention to our downtown. The latest commissioned sculpture, 'Chinook-a-tron', was installed in September 2009 on 7th Street (near Foster and Sons Jewellers). Look closely in the video as the metal figure slowly turns a crank as the other parts of the sculpture spin and whirl in multiple directions.

The BRZ works closely with the City of Lethbridge Infrastructure Department on finding suitable locations for the installation of murals and wind sculptures. Funding for the installation is provided through the Heart of Our City Master Plan initiative.

Our goal is to install a series of kinetic sculptures in various locations throughout the downtown core. Chemainus, on beautiful Vancouver Island, is well-known for its incredible murals ... we're hoping to someday be famous for our whimsical windsocks.

Movie in the Park event draws large, enthusiastic crowds to beautiful Galt Gardens Park

2009-09-09T11:23:00.020-06:00

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The Movie in the Park event drew large, enthusiastic crowds over the Labour Day Weekend. The Downtown BRZ has sponsored movies in Galt Gardens Park for the past four summers. Movies in the park continues to be popular with families from Lethbridge and throughout southern Alberta. Over 800 people took in the shows over the two evenings. Even the brief rain on Saturday didn't discourage event attendees.

The classic Spielberg hit, 'Jurassic Park', was shown on Friday, while the Pixar/Disney summer blockbuster 'UP' was featured on Saturday. The Movie in the Park crew brought in some exciting pre-show entertainment that included a local fire spinner troupe, magic show, hoola-hoop contest and a WII Guitar Hero tent.

This free, community event definitely helps to showcase all that beautiful Galt Gardens has to offer. The Rotary Centennial Plaza was in full operation and the colorful water display attracted a lot of attention during both evenings. The BRZ offered up tasty and affordable 50 cent bags of popcorn that were sold out of the newly constructed pergola food servery area.

Many thanks go out to local media and City of Lethbridge staff for their promotion and assistance in making the event such a huge success.

The Labour Day Weekend Movies in the Park event was a smash hit and we're looking forward to the next showing during the Bright Lights Festival and Midnight Madness event on November 20, 2009.

For more information on Movie in the Park, contact the BRZ office at 403 - 327-9002 or visit their site at www.movieinthepark.ca.

Zim's Place offers up art, bagels, coffee and borscht ... the perfect combination!

2009-08-25T12:30:00.019-06:00

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NOTE: Zim's Place has closed for business. Although they were on 6th Street for a relatively short period of time, Les made a lot of friends within our downtown community. They will be missed.

Les takes us on a tour of his warm and cozy artisan cafe that recently opened on Festival Square (6th Street) in beautiful downtown Lethbridge. Zim's Place was inspired by his passion for healthy food, coffee and art. It's a welcome addition to 'our downtown' and has definitely helped to enhance our unique and special 'coffee culture'.

Although Les leaves the art to his wife (Donna Jean) and daughter (Gianne), his talent is displayed in the kitchen, where he cooks up a daily pot of delicious borscht. He constantly plays around with different blends of traditional borscht ingredients which makes each visit to Zim's Place a tasty surprise. Combine a bowl of borscht with a cappuccino and a European-style bagel and you have the perfect 'place' to sit and relax after a long day of shopping or work.

Besides the art of his talented wife and daughter, Zim's Place also features landscapes and figurative art from a variety of local and regional artists and artisan's.

Zim's Place will be participating in the upcoming Allied Arts Council's ARTWALK. Artwalk is a free, self-guided tour of arts venues and entertainment in Lethbridge. It takes place on September 18-19 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Zim's Place is located at 313 - 6th Street South. For more information, call 403 - 942-2277 or email Les at zimfam@telus.net.

Tompkins Jewellers ... providing exceptional service and a wide selection of expertly crafted jewellery & giftware

2009-08-07T15:11:00.012-06:00

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Lisa takes us on a tour of her bright and inviting store in downtown Lethbridge. Tompkins Jewellers has earned a solid reputation for exceptional customer service, product knowledge and a wide selection of fine jewellery and exclusive giftware.

Tompkins Jewellers is a second generation family business that was established in 1983. It was originally located in the old El Rancho Hotel and Convention Centre on Mayor Magrath Drive.

They pride themselves as being the home for the largest selection of Korite Ammolite jewellery and Ammonite fossils in southern Alberta. Ammolite, the fossilized gemstone, displays a rich variety of brilliant colors and textures. They work closely with the owners of the Korite Ammolite mine that is located about 25 minutes outside of Lethbridge. The mine is one of only two commercial Ammolite mines in the world. Exclusive tours can be arranged through Tompkins Jewellers. This one-of-a-kind tour is a great way to learn about Alberta history, geography, geology, gemmology and palentology.

Lisa and her knowledgeable staff provide a number of services including custom designed jewellery from concept, to design, to production of the final piece. Customers can arrange for an appointment to meet with one of their designers and discuss a variety of concepts and options. Their state-of-the-art equipment can produce amazing 3-dimensional renderings of their customers designs. Once the design is approved, a wax model is produced. The wax model is used to create a one-of-a-kind fine jewellery piece that will sparkle and delight for generations to come.

Besides their wide selection of fine jewellery, Tompkins has a number of exclusive lines of giftware such as the highly collectable Thomas Sabo Charm Club Collection and Sid Dickens Memory Blocks. Check out their great selection of popular Steelx and inspirational jewellery.

Tompkins Jewellers also serves as a downtown gallery for paintings and prints by well-known local artist, Karen Brownlee. Each year, the store takes part in the popular Allied Arts Council's ArtWalk. Karen is usually on hand to paint and talk with visitors during store hours.

For more information, call 403 - 327-3119. Tompkins Jewellers is located at 326 - 7th Street South. Visit them online at www.tompkinsjewellers.com (watch for their upcoming online shop).

Farmer's Market opens in Downtown Lethbridge for the 2009 season!

2009-07-08T13:19:00.009-06:00

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The much-anticipated Downtown Farmer's Market opened today to huge crowds of loyal customers. The downtown market was developed through a partnership between the Downtown BRZ, Exhibition Park and the City of Lethbridge. 2009 marks the 4th year that the Farmer's Market has been in downtown Lethbridge.

The market has been a welcomed addition to the downtown experience. Business owners, employees and residents from neighbouring areas such as London Road look forward to the start of the Downtown Farmer's Market.

The market takes place every Wednesday, July 8 to August 26 from noon until 5:00 p.m. It's located on Festival Square between 3rd and 4th Avenue on 6th Street South.

For more information, call the Business Revitalization Zone office at 327-9002.

Create anything, remember everything with Embellished Memories scrapbooking

2009-07-06T12:34:00.020-06:00

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Kari Fraser talks with us about what makes Embellished Memories, southern Alberta's scrapbooking destination location.

Whether you're someone who's been scrapbooking for years or just a curious beginner, Embellished Memories is a one-stop center for ideas, products, classes and workshops. Her knowledgeable staff is dedicated to bringing the finest quality scrapbooks and creative supplies to their customers.

The scrapbooks created by their loyal customers are truly a labour of love because of all the time, thought and effort that goes into assembling them. By rescuing photos from shoeboxes, drawers and storage trunks, scrapbookers help to preserve precious memories and creatively tell stories for future generations to enjoy.

Their customers are a big part of their success. Seasoned scrapbookers regulary contribute to their blog and are always available to assist those that are just learning about the hobby.

Embellished Memories offers a wide selection of paper, stamps, die cuts, embellishments, page-layout kits, monthly kits, pre-made gifts, fun classes, crops and much, much more.

Visit their website at www.embellishedmemories.ca or blog for frequent store updates, layout/project samples, upcoming classes, inspiration and more!

Embellished Memories is located at 309 - 6th Street South - Phone 403 388-4010.

Experience the flavours of Europe at The Cup 'n Saucer in Downtown Lethbridge

2009-06-25T10:02:00.021-06:00

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NOTE: The Cup 'n Saucer has closed for business.

Sarah talks to us about the inspiration behind The Cup 'n Saucer and why she and her partners have brought a taste of Europe to downtown Lethbridge. Sarah and Marga decided to open their restaurant because they wanted to have a place where they could go for a nice coffee in a proper cup and saucer and enjoy some of the comfort foods and treats that they miss from their native countries of England and The Netherlands.

Marga is passionate about cooking while Sarah enjoys meeting and pampering their customers. Their extensive menu includes a wide-variety of dishes - full English breakfast which includes bacon, eggs, sausage, black pudding, mushrooms, tomatoes and beans; full Canadian breakfast which includes bacon, eggs, sausage, hashbrowns and toast; Dutch pancakes served with either syrup, cheese, meat or veggies; steak and kidney pies; chicken and mushroom pies; Dutch kebab (shoarma); fish and chips with mushy peas or coleslaw; fresh pastries and much, much more.

Besides their extensive menu and exceptional service, The Cup 'n Saucer also puts together a number of special events for their loyal customers. They host English pub-style quiz nights where customers are invited to put together teams for an evening of fun and laughs. Every six weeks they also put on a full British-style Sunday dinner. Tickets are sold in advance for a full-course meal comprised of roast beef, roasted or mashed potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, vegetables, gravy and desert - apple crumble with custard, coffee and chocolate mints ... now that's a meal!

However, if you're just looking for a place to go after a bit of shopping, you can relax and visit over The Cup & Saucer's wide selection of coffee and tea. They offer locally roasted coffee provided by Cuppers, as well as imported Italian coffee by Lavazza. If you're too busy to leave the office, they also offer a catering and delivery service that includes a selection of sandwiches, wraps, salads, sweets and beverages. After work, The Cup 'n Saucer is a great place to sit back and unwind over a bottle of European beer or a glass of wine.

So, if you're looking for a great little restaurant with lots of charm, character and excellent food, make sure to check out The Cup 'n Saucer at 309 - 7 Street South - Phone 403 317-7797.

Check out their full menu at www.thecupnsaucer.ca.

The Penny Coffee House ... a legacy of great coffee, fresh-baked goods & even better service

2009-06-16T11:49:00.018-06:00

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Eileen Abbott talks to us about why her business is much more than 'just a coffee shop'. The Penny Coffee House has become a downtown Lethbridge institution. With many locals, it's top-of-mind when it comes to selecting a meeting spot. The 'Penny', as it's known by to their clientele, is well-known for its superior, locally roasted and French pressed coffee and even better customer service.

The 'Penny' was the first cappuccino bar established in Lethbridge. Although the interior was renovated a short-time ago, in order to enhance the seating area and food prep stations, it has successfully maintained the relaxing and friendly atmosphere that has made it such a popular downtown Lethbridge meeting spot.

Eileen and her staff have developed a unique rapport with their customers, many of whom are considered friends. "They will help out if we are busy, assist in making coffee in the morning or even ring themselves through the till on a quiet day." Many customers come in more than once a day with some even running their business through the 'Penny' by bringing clients in for meetings or consultations. Meetings are aided by the wireless internet service that is also provided to her customers.

With one full-time and one part-time baker on staff, customers are always treated to daily fresh-baked goods. On Saturday's they feature delectable sausage rolls that are quickly sold-out to a lucky few that choose to start there weekend with a visit to the 'Penny'.

The 'Penny' also caters to the health conscious by offering daily homemade vegetarian soups and gluten-free breads and wraps.

In order to make the 'Penny' experience even more unique, Eileen utilizes her space as a gallery to showcase art from the U of L's Student Art Society. The art rotates on a bi-monthly basis with the majority of the pieces available via a silent auction.

The Penny Coffee House is located on historic Round Street (331 - 5th Street South). For more information, contact Eileen at 403 - 320-5282.

Ultraviolet Eyewear - Exclusive eyewear with a unique brand of customer service

2009-06-10T14:14:00.015-06:00

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Simon Atkinson talks to us about a few of the Exclusive lines of eyewear he carries in his trendy, full-service, downtown Lethbridge store - Tom Ford, Emilio Pucci, Ed Hardy, Wiley X and many more.

Simon started Ultraviolet Eyewear in 2001, moving 2 1/2 years ago from his original location on 11th Street to the high-profile corner of 4th Avenue and 5th Street. The move to the downtown was prompted by a need to expand his retail display area in order to showcase a rapidly expanding line of Exclusive eyewear collections.

Simon and his staff pride themselves on being able to find and match the right frame and lens to each of their customers requirements. They are always willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that all of their customers specific needs are met. Ultraviolet Eyewear is well-known for providing exceptional customer service and expert product knowledge.

Ultraviolet Eyewear carries the largest selection of Exclusive designer eyewear in Southern Alberta. They travel 3-4 times a year to various Frame shows in order to find the special 'looks' that their customers have come to expect from them.

So, if you're looking for that unique and special 'look', make sure to visit Simon and his staff at Ultraviolet Eyewear at 333 - 5th Street South (right next door to the popular Penny Coffee House).

Learn more about their store at www.ultravioleteyewear.com. Phone 403 - 327-1104.

McGuire's Men's Wear ... the very best in quality fashion and service for over 100 years

2009-06-03T09:29:00.009-06:00

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Phil provides us with a bit of the history behind Lethbridge's oldest retail store. Located in the heart of downtown Lethbrige, McGuire's Men's Wear was founded in 1905 by A.R. McGuire and A.L. McKelvie - "the two Mac's". Over the years, it has become a destination location for generations of southern Alberta shoppers who have come to rely on their top-notch men's fashions and impeccable, friendly service and advice.

Current owners, Phil Nicas and Dean Goughnour, recently moved from their long-standing location on 5th Street to a newly renovated and remodelled building on 7th Street. The new location positions them perfectly within a cluster of established, quality retailers.

McGuire's is a complete men's store, offering a variety of suits, sportswear, business-casual wear, shoes and name-brand accessories. They offer their customers a wealth of knowledge and experience and are always happy to take the necessary time to put together that perfect combination for special occasions, work and leisure.

They carry all of the major lines such as Bugatchi, Jack Lipson, Cutter & Buck, Carnoustie, Turtle Creek, Gordon Mitchell, Polifroni, Kenneth Cole, Ecco and much, much more!

Check out their new location at 312 - 7th Street South or call them at 403 - 327-3761.

Visit them online at www.finditdowntown.ca.

Cristie Gray creates a heartfelt and meaningful tribute to local veterans

2009-06-01T12:00:00.012-06:00

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Artist, Cristie Gray, talks to us about the inspiration for her paintings. They were recently installed on the Army, Navy and Airforce building at the corner of 6th Street and 5th Avenue in downtown Lethbridge. The subject matter has a special meaning for this talented local artist. Cristie is a former Royal Canadian Army cadet officer.

This unique and colorful tribute mural was unveiled to the public during a public ceremony that took place on Saturday, May 16, 2009.

The paintings were commissioned by the Lethbridge unit of the Army, Navy and Airforce Veterans of Canada as a tribute to the brave men and women who have fought and died for our country. The paintings also commemorate the centennial of the ANAF Veterans of Alberta provincial command and the 89th anniversary of our local unit.

Each panel illustrates various eras in our country's military history. The first panel depicts soldiers from the War of 1812, a WWI soldier wearing a gas mask and a Spitfire airplane from WWII. The middle panel features our cenotaph while the third panel shows two contemporary Canadian soldiers, an army tank and a naval destroyer.

Cristie is Fine Arts graduate from the University of Lethbridge where she is currently completing her degree in Education. She is available for other commissions and can be reached through the Downtown Lethbridge BRZ office - 403 327-9002.

Visit the 'little downtown bake shop' that everyone is talking about ... Edible Elegance

2009-05-29T11:14:00.020-06:00

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Mother and daughter entrepreneurs and master bakers (Jackie and Virginia) have quickly established Edible Elegance as 'the place to go' for custom cakes for all occasions. Not only can they bring your ideas to life, they can also customize your one-of-a-kind cake by utilizing a wide-variety of icings and fillings. Their amazing custom cakes are almost too lovely to cut into, however it doesn't take long to discover the moist and delicious flavors that lie just below the decorative surfaces.

The talented duo fine-tuned their baking skills at home, however the demand for their fabulous cakes, cupcakes and cookies became so strong that it prompted them to open Edible Elegance in downtown Lethbridge in 2007. Since then, the business has flourished, primarily by word-of-mouth from hundreds of satisfied customers.

Although their cupcakes, sugar cookies and custom designed cakes are not quite 'world famous' yet, the word about their seriously scrumptious treats has spread quickly throughout Lethbridge and southern Alberta.

It doesn't take long for your senses to erupt once you've entered their bright and colorful bake shop on 4th Avenue South. The window and interior displays showcase a wide variety of baked goods and accessories - all designed to make special occasions even more special. The aroma of fresh-baked goods wafts through the air and you are immediately drawn to the displays where it's difficult to leave the store without at least one sugar cookie or cupcake.

If you haven't already discovered Edible Elegance, we urge you to check it out and find out why their 'little bake shop' is quickly becoming a favorite downtown destination location.

Edible Elegance is located at 513 - 4th Avenue South (just around the corner from the Penny Coffee House and down the street from the Red Dog Diner).

For more information, call 403 - 394-2553.

Classique ... Dancewear and a whole lot more!

2009-05-20T17:13:00.004-06:00

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Searching for the best dancewear around? From dance shoes, to jazz runners, to tights, to giftwear ... Classique Dancewear has what you're looking for!

Judy takes us on a tour of her bright and colorful boutique on 7th Street in downtown Lethbridge. For over 30 years, Classique Dancewear has been 'the place' for dance fashionista's in southern Alberta and beyond. Her full-service store has grown to include the finest quality bodywear, tights, dance shoes and related giftware that caters to figure skaters, gymnasts theatre, yoga/exercise, ballroom, tap and ethnic dancing.

Selling quality body and dancewear is only part of what Judy and her staff pride themselves on. At Classique Dancewear they take the time to ensure an expert fit for each product they sell and pride themselves on providing exceptional customer service and product knowledge.

Whether you know someone that is heading to the Royal Academy of Dance or their first dance class, Classique has everything that they will need.

Classique Dancewear is located at 322 - 7th Street South. For more information, call 403 329-8778 or email Judy at dancers@telus.net.

A Visit with John and Wilma from Dove Christian Supplies & Cafe - a popular downtown destination

2009-05-14T12:49:00.005-06:00

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Dove Christian Supplies has been an important part of the downtown Lethbridge retail landscape for over 25 years.

This family-owned and operated business went through a major expansion in 2004 when John and Wilma purchased the adjacent Acadia Block building. The expansion provided them with the opportunity to add a variety of new features and services to their business.

Today, Dove Christian Supplies features over 6,500 sq. ft. of space that includes a music department, community meeting room, cafe, home decor/giftware area (Willow Tree Collectable figurines), books, jewellry and the unique and colorful Humphrey's Hideout (children's play area).

The popular Dove Cafe was a response to customers who wanted a place to sit and meet over a cup of coffee or a pot of tea (supplied by Cupper's Coffee & Tea). Today, this warm and friendly meeting and lunch destination cafe has been expanded to include soups, sandwiches, grilled panini's, wraps, home-baked treats and refreshing and nutritious smoothies.

John and Wilma invite visitors to take their time and look at all they have to offer - from books to to videos and everything in between. All of their products are carefully chosen to provide you with a meaningful and comprehensive selection of inspirational and spiritual resources.

For more information about their beautiful store, visit them at www.finditdowntown.ca. or contact them at 403 328-4309.

Dove Christian Supplies is located at 616 - 3rd Avenue South (directly across from the Rotary Centennial Plaza in Galt Gardens Park).