THERE are plans afoot for a different type of Christmas celebrations in Northam this year.
Christmas on Fitzgerald will see Fitzgerald Street closed from 10am-6pm from Gordon Street to the Red Rooster corner on December 12.
Businesses located in Fitzgerald Street will be able to use the space in front of their businesses to display their products and services.
They are also encouraged to offer discounted or sale items on the day.
The idea was initially put forward by the Shire of Northam, with the Northam Chamber of Commerce coming on board with the concept.
On Monday, Northam business people Wendy Miller, Andrew Quin and Jess Joy met to encourage Northam people to take part in next month’s Christmas themed celebrations.
Ms Miller said it was important the public came on board.
“It’s the education of the public,” she said.
“That’s what I see as the biggest factor – we have to get people involved and communicate what it means for them.”
Ms Joy agreed, saying Christmas on Fitzgerald was a great opportunity for consumers and businesses alike.
The Shire of Northam is providing 20 marquees (3x3m) to be situated in the Avon Mall.
These will be made available to Northam businesses that are not located in the sectioned off area of Fitzgerald Street.
There will also be space available in front of vacant premises in the front street for those businesses to use.
The marquees will be allocated on a first in basis and businesses are being encouraged get their applications to the Shire as soon as possible.
Businesses that do not have a product to sell are still welcome to book a marquee to promote their business.
Assisting with the day is Northam Women in Business, which was recently formed to network and share ideas with one another and to provide support to fellow businesswomen.
The Shire is also funding buskers and face painters to promote a festival atmosphere.
The Northam Chamber of Commerce is funding a live radio broadcast by Radiowest during the day.
Businesses will have the opportunity to secure a radio interview at a cost of $100 to promote themselves.
The Chamber is also funding cash prize draws on the day - each valued at $1000 to encourag the community to come down and do all their Christmas shopping in the one hit.
The finale for the day will be the Shire displaying the Christmas light projections which will bounce off the Commonwealth and Westpac bank buildings in the evening.
Cafe and restaurant owners are being asked if they will be supporting the event by extending trading hours on the day (from 10am-6pm).
The Shire requires this information, as they will have to source external food vans if the local food outlets do not wish to stay open.
In other Northam Chamber of Commerce news, their annual general meeting was held last Thursday.
The new board of management for 2015-16 was decided with Paul Tomlinson retaining his position of president.
Leonie Knipe was elected vice president, with Amanda Marshall treasurer.
Sharon Lugget-Hassell will be the secretary.
Also on the board are Max Hubble, Raelene Harris, Sandy Hatherly, Brant Jansen and Chris Antonio.