[OMS_MANAGERS] Downtown Update - November 2025 Newsletter

[La Grande Main Street Downtown]

Email from La Grande Main Street Downtown November 2025 Newsletter LA GRANDE MAIN STREET DOWNTOWN About Us Support Our Mission Hello OMS, The last weekend in November is packed with fun and bargains galore with Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday throughout downtown on November 28th and November 29th. The holiday season will be ushered in officially with the La Grande Main Street Downtown's 2025 Monkeys on the Run Holiday Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting on November 28th! Looking into December, our Women in Business group will be hosting its Annual Holiday Party, and on December 31st, we will bid farewell to 2025 with the New Year's Eve Ball Drop and Block Party. Mark your calendars and celebrate in lovely La Grande!   Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday On Friday, November 28th and Saturday, November 29th, La Grande Main Street Downtown invites you to shop local and show your support during Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday, Small Business Saturday is a nationwide movement that celebrates the contributions of small businesses to our communities and economy and Plaid Friday is La Grande's unique take on Black Friday, These days are all about choosing local merchants, makers, and service providers—many of whom will be offering special deals, festive displays, and personalized service throughout downtown. Whether you're checking off your holiday gift list or simply enjoying the charm of La Grande’s storefronts, your purchases help sustain the heart of our local economy. Join us in making a big impact by shopping small! Monkeys On The Run Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting  Get in the holiday spirit with La Grande Main Street' Downtown's 2025 Monkeys On The Run Holiday Parade of Lights on November 28th (featuring Mr. and Mrs. Claus and the Tree Lighting) at 6:00 PM on Adams Avenue. The theme of this year's event is 'Shop Local." If you love a parade, either as a participant or a spectator, this is the place to be! The application to participate in the parade can be found on our website at lagrandemainstreet.org/events. Click on the "Join" button under the Holiday Parade of Lights picture and become part of this wondrous community event. If you have any questions, please email lgmsdsocial at gmail.com or call 541-963-1223. La Grande Main Street’s Women in Business group will host its annual Holiday Party on Thursday, December 4, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at K. Voelz Wines, located at 1104 Jefferson Avenue. Sponsored by Soroptimist International of La Grande, the event is designed to bring together local women entrepreneurs, professionals, and community members for an evening of networking, food, and seasonal celebration. Tickets are $15 and include dinner from Primers BBQ and one drink ticket. Attendees are encouraged to participate in a $25 gift exchange and compete in the Best Holiday Spirit contest, which invites festive attire ranging from cozy to extravagant. The event aims to foster connection among women in the business community while supporting local vendors and organizations. Registration is open, and participants are asked to bring a wrapped gift for the exchange. To register, go to https://lagrandemainstreetwomenin.rsvpify.com. Promotion Committee Update The Promotion Committee met on November 5 to reflect on the success of the Halloween Trick or Treat event, which drew large crowds and enthusiastic participation in the costume contest. Members reviewed documentation and media strategies to help streamline future planning. The group also turned its attention to upcoming holiday events, including Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday, with outreach materials and promotional swag expected to roll out shortly to encourage local shopping and business engagement.  Planning for the Holiday Parade of Lights is well underway, with logistics, sponsorship, and volunteer roles actively coordinated. The committee confirmed Santa’s participation, discussed staging and music arrangements, and addressed decorations and lighting at Max Square. Preparations for the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop were also introduced, with sponsorships and leadership roles still being finalized. The meeting concluded with a review of the annual event calendar and a draft work plan aimed at improving continuity and documentation for future activities. The next meeting is scheduled for December 3 at 4:30 PM in the LGMSD office. November Happenings at Cook Memorial Library The library will be closed on the following holidays: Tuesday, November 11 for Veterans Day, and November 27, 28, and 29 for the Thanksgiving holiday.   Storytime is Thursdays, November 13, and 20 at 10:30 am in the Story Circle. Join us for songs, stories, and crafts. Thanksgiving themed Storytime will be on November 20.   Join us for a fun and interactive presentation by local historian and Titanic researcher John Lamoreau. See real artifacts, learn about the ship itself, and find out if you’d survive the famous sinking on Saturday, November 15, at 2:00 pm in the Community Room. This program is intended for children, but all ages are welcome.   Mysteries ‘n’ More Book Club meets Friday, November 15 at 1:00 pm. The club will discuss “The Mapping of Love and Death,” by Jacqueline Winspear. New members welcome. This book club meets the second Friday of each month.   Spells & Stars Book Club meets Saturday, November 15 at 3:00 pm to discuss, “Winterwood,” by Shea Ernshaw. New members welcome. This book club meets the third Saturday of the month.   Join Olivia Westenskow on Wednesday mornings at 10:15 am in the Community Room for Bright Beginnings! Bright Beginnings is a class for little ones age 0 - 3 and their caregivers, where they’ll experience movement, music, snacks, and play with their peers. Space is limited, so registration is required. Text Olivia at 541-786-2259 to reserve your spot and confirm locations. This session runs from September 24 through November 13.   Visit our StoryWalk© at Riverside Park along the Greenway and the Linda Elegant Memorial StoryWalk© at Birnie Park. Books are changed monthly and are sponsored by local individuals, families, and businesses.   December preview: Santa Storytime is scheduled for Saturday, December 13 at 10 am. Family movies is December 19. Wrapping Saturdays are December 6, 13, and 20 for adults that need a quiet place to wrap gifts.   Discover and Go: Cultural Passes are available with a library card. Free passes are available for the Children’s Museum of Eastern Oregon, OMSI, the Columbia Gorge Museum, and more! See the link from the library’s webpage. Provided by the Libraries of Eastern Oregon.   Get weekly updates on events, the latest additions to our collections, and more with our newsletter through Wowbrary. Visit wowbrary.org to sign up. All library activities are free and held at Cook Memorial Library at 2006 4th Street in La Grande, unless otherwise noted. Visit CookMemorialLibrary.org, follow the library’s social media pages, or call 541-962-1339 for details. Art Center East invites the community to celebrate the season at the 17th Annual Handmade Holidays Makers Market, a festive showcase of local creativity and craftsmanship. Held in the heart of downtown La Grande, this beloved event transforms the ACE galleries into a bustling marketplace featuring 20+ regional artisans offering high-quality, handcrafted goods. From ceramics and textiles to jewelry and woodwork, shoppers will find unique gifts and seasonal inspiration while supporting local makers. The market opens to the public on Friday, November 21 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM and continues Saturday, November 22 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with free admission for all. For those seeking an exclusive experience, a VIP Shopping Hour will be held Friday from 3:00 to 4:00 PM, offering early access and special treats. VIP passes are available online through midnight on November 20. Located at 1006 Penn Avenue, Art Center East is a cornerstone of La Grande’s creative community, and the Handmade Holidays Makers Market is a perfect opportunity to shop local, connect with artists, and enjoy the festive spirit of downtown. For more details, visit artcentereast.org or follow @artcentereast on social media. We're always looking for volunteers! Give back to your community through work on one of our main committees (Promotion, Design, Economic Vitality, or Outreach) or help downtown clean up, or a specific event! Click HERE to see all the different opportunities Interested in being a Partner? Learn more about our impact in the community and our available partnership levels on our website here. LGMSD Partners Ad Dad Allied Mortgage - a division of Mann Mortgage LLC Anderson Perry Associated Design and Engineering BELLA Mercantile Benchwarmers Pub & Grill Birddog Glass Blue Summit Realty Blue Mountain Outfitters Brent Clapp Media Cam Credits Carol Summers Christ Church of La Grande City of La Grande Clanktronix/The Archives Claudson's Sew and Soak Community Bank Community Kindness of Eastern Oregon Community Merchants Connected Professional Accountants LLC Country Financial, Paul Swigert Designs By Stef Direct Music Source Dirty Girls Detailing Edge Home Finance - Team Klebaum Edward Jones - Shawn Mangum Eastern Oregon University Eleven Fifteen Salon Elkhorn Media Group Evermine Labels Fairway Independent Mortgage Fit Fuel LG Fitzgerald Flowers Flying Cloud Gifts Grande Ronde Hospital Guyer and Associates JC Woodworks K Voelz Wines La Grande Theatres Les Schwab Tire Center Let 'Er Wrap Longbranch Lucy's Boutiques at the Market Place Underground Mary Ann and Arlan Miesner Merlyn's Catering MJ Goss Motors Mountain Valley Therapy Mountain Works Nate Conklin State Farm Nature's Pantry Nicole Haggerty Northwest Furniture & Mattress OTEC Peak Lifestyle Studio Perky's Play Cafe Raul's Taqueria RE/MAX Real Estate Team Rob's Speedy Delivery Rosewood Cottage Scott's Heating and Air Side A Brewing Spokane Teachers Credit Union Sure Shot Virtual Range Sorbenots Tap That! Growlers, LLC The Potter's House The Royal Clothiers Timothy Bishop Travelodge Union County Chamber of Commerce/Tourism United Finance Wheatland Insurance Williamson Insurance Yuri Books ​Ziply Fiber   Upcoming Events   Contact Us     Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email About Events Calendar Projects Contact La Grande Main Street Downtown | 102 Depot St | La Grande, OR 97850 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
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