What do you get when three strong women work together towards a common purpose? You get drive, tenacity, impact, spirit and laughter! Over the years, the Bel Air Downtown Alliance has evolved in many ways, from a renaissance group rallying businesses back to downtown, with street and façade improvements and community events, to the modern day economic development organization. As one of the top performing Main Street Communities in the State, the Alliance serves the community through an impressive online presence, purposeful business recruitment and retention and special events with regional attraction. Most recently, the Alliance’s evolution has included an expanded staff. Under the direction of Executive Director Christine McPherson, the dynamic team of Project Coordinator Jenny Falcone and newly-assigned Marketing Communications Associate Amber Pinder embodies a vision of creating a thriving community for residents and visitors alike that flourishes with business, arts and culture.
The Alliance is proud to announce some new amenities, in partnership with the Town of Bel Air. Kiosks providing directions, community history, informational brochures and a community events calendar are located on Main Street across from the Courthouse, in Shamrock Park and at the corner of Thomas and Bond Streets. In addition, seven bike racks have been installed throughout downtown. Along with the recent announcement of the extension of the Ma & Pa Trail, the bike racks will encourage other modes of transportation in downtown, making Bel Air bike and pedestrian friendly.
One of the biggest shopping days of the year is Small Business Saturday, November 25, showcasing all the great retail opportunities in downtown Bel Air!
It’s just the beginning of the holiday season, as the Magic of Christmas returns to Bel Air with the 28th Annual Bel Air Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Celebration on December 3. Our community truly comes together to celebrate with bands, floats, performers, costumed characters, costumed scout troops, animals and more, all arrayed in the spirit of the holiday season (even the miniature horses are costumed as reindeer!), all leading to the official appearance of Santa and Mrs. Claus! After the parade down Main Street and Lee Street, there will be holiday music and carols in Shamrock Park, complete with bonfire, hot chocolate and cookies, culminating with the official Town of Bel Air Christmas Tree lighting. The Parade begins at 3:30pm followed by the celebrations in the Park.