During my time as director of Highlands Arts Alliance, I had pitched an idea to the Highlands community: Since several organizations and businesses tended to schedule their holiday events around the same time each year, why not collaborate and make it a united day of festivities?!

 

Inspired by the "Shop Hops" of neighboring towns, the Highlands Holiday Hop intended not only to promote the local economy but the town's artists and non-profits as well, in addition to providing festive family-friendly activities and entertainment. Residents could visit local businesses to shop for gifts and fill out a raffle card for a chance to win a big-screen TV, enter a holiday cookie contest, children could get their photos taken with Santa, enjoy penny socials, makers markets and more.

 

In addition to coordinating with volunteers, businesses and other organizations, I took it upon myself to design all of the event material. From lawn signs to web graphics, info packets to raffle cards, there was a lot to tackle! I'd also created and maintained an informational page on the Arts Alliance's website to provide all of the event information.

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And let me just add that this was truly a community event! None of it would've happened without the energy, support, assistance, resources and enthusiasm of so many residents of the Town of Highlands, NY!