Emma Pritchard, Clarence Valley Independent
Several retailers in River Street, Maclean, will remain open until 8pm on December 10, allowing shoppers additional time to grab some last-minute bargains ahead of the Christmas rush and boost the local economy.
Organised by the Maclean Chamber of Commerce, the Maclean Lions Club, DPI, and a handful of other local community groups, the event aims to support local businesses and unite the township following a difficult 12-month period as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Describing the response from Maclean businesses as overwhelmingly positive, President of the Maclean Chamber of Commerce Christine Tyler said the late-night shopping event is a chance for everyone to get involved and to give something back to their local community.
“Everyone who has heard about it has said what a brilliant idea it is and how nice it is to promote local businesses on their way to recovery after a very difficult time for our economy,” she said.
“Some of the feedback we have received has been fabulous and the local businesses are all very enthusiastic to be a part of it.
“We need to support our local businesses and bring the community together again, and everyone is looking forward to the event.”
Ms Tyler said the main street will remain open to traffic and will be brightly coloured with festive decorations and Christmas lights.
Local Scottish dancers and carol singers will perform live during the event, and the Maclean Lions Club will also be firing up their barbeque trailer during the evening.
$5 raffles and lucky ticket prizes will also be available and shoppers who make a purchase from participating businesses will receive a free ticket.
All proceeds will go directly to the Maclean Lions Club in aid of their community food distribution program.
“Everything will stay local,” Ms Tyler said proudly.
“We’re all looking forward to a big turnout next week.
“I’m just so happy that we’re able to do this for the community of Maclean.”
This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 1 December 2021.
