The Chemainus Business Improvement Association is once again bringing in a new campaign promoting the town.
This time, it is to show how truly romantic Chemainus is. The CBIA has taken the 14 days of February and paired romantic reasons to enjoy Chemainus with each of those days, highlighting such things as romantic walks, dining out and spending time together at a performance.
But there is much more to the ‘Love Is Sweet’ campaign, like the little bags of cinnamon candy hearts that have been handed out by store owners.
As one of the only destinations on the Island highlighting the town as a whole being a Valentine’s destination, shops and businesses around town have taken note by offering their own support.
Stores are offering specials and bringing in products to reflect this. Beyond the Usual is offering 14 per cent off on February 14 with lots of Valentine’s type gifts like the ever popular Saxx underwear; Bound to be Different is open once again after closing for its annual refresh and offering lots of Valentine’s focused gifts; the store Etc. is having a 50 per cent off boxed jewelry sale until Valentine’s Day; Kinney Clothing is doing a draw for two Joseph Ribkoff Bags; Silvermine on Chemainus is offering 14 per cent off; and Misfits Fitness Studio is not only doing 14 per cent off for five class passes but also a couples bootcamp on the 14th.
Restaurants are also making Valentine’s a priority. Maple Lane Café has a 14 per cent off lunch special plus 14 per cent off on coffee beans; Odika has a gourmet meal planned; and the Owl’s Nest Bakery and Bistro is doing a take home three-course meal, to name a few.
For those looking for a getaway close to home, the Best Western Plus Chemainus Inn has jumped on board offering a 14 per cent discounted room rate with a full breakfast buffet for two and use of all of its amenities Friday and all weekend long. And for those looking for a little entertainment, the season kickoff of The Marvelous Wonderettes at the Chemainus Theatre is on Feb. 14.
The CBIA is also offering a contest to win a date for two. Partnering with Debbie Simmonds of eXp Realty, who donated the prizes of dinners and theatre shows, the contest runs until Feb. 14. Simply share your most romantic real life stories on the Tourism Chemainus Facebook page for a chance to win, with extra chances if you Like and Share the pages.
This CBIA has been bringing fun campaigns and great events to the town for a while now, with a board striving to keep moving forward.
“A few of our board of directors - Lulu from the Health Food Store, Karla from Best Western Plus, Barb from Silvermine, and Michelle from the theatre - truly conceptualized the essence of the campaign,” noted Krystal Adams, executive director for the CBIA. “This campaign is intended to show Island locals the romantic side of the town, and we couldn’t be happier with the response we are seeing.”