The Bracebridge Business Improvement Area (BIA) is sponsoring its annual February Blowout sales event Saturday, Feb. 23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The merchants along Manitoba Street and the surrounding area will be offering bargains on winter clearance items and early bird specials on spring items at the annual blowout sale.

Tracy Larkman, BIA administrative co-ordinator, says the BIA is building on last year’s successful event, where customers had an opportunity to win an additional amount off their purchase by popping balloons that contained BIA sponsored gift certificates. “This year there will be over 350 balloons scattered across the BIA area and they will contain gift certificates that range from $5 to $100,” said Larkman.

The total value of gift certificates in the balloons amounts to $3,500, she said.

“Furthermore, the participating members are planning to add additional balloons that will include their own in-store savings,” Larkman said.

Customers may use the BIA-sponsored certificate towards their current purchase or toward any other store, restaurant or service within the BIA on the day of the event.  

“We have over 65 members participating this year, so the balloons will not last long,” said Larkman. “Shoppers should come early if they want to have a chance to pop a balloon.”

According to Larkman, last year’s balloon blowout was well received by participating merchants and their customers. The BIA felt that bringing back the feature, with bigger and better giveaways, was a great way to say thank you to the local community for shopping downtown.

“With many of the merchants offering sales throughout the day, it would be an excellent time for customers to come out and see what downtown Bracebridge has to offer.”

For more information on the February Blowout, contact Tracy Larkman, Bracebridge BIA administrative co-ordinator, at 646-5590 or call Mae Brazier, BIA president, at 645-3131.