Director's Take

Week of Gratitude

12-03-2025

Dear Friend of Downtown,

This week is one I look forward to every year, though as my family members move around or away, it is not the same holiday that I grew up loving so much. It is harder to get people in one place and the array of folks gathered differs from year to year… but it’s still the holiday that asks us to slow down and put away work, enjoy our family (by blood or by choice), and rather than complain about what’s going wrong, asks us to count the things that are going right.

We each are made up of different pasts but it’s our differences that make us more understanding of each other and therefore a stronger community. Which is why we must have places to gather and connect and have events that appeal to all of us. Some of the national rhetoric makes this tougher but even more necessary.

This kickoff to the holidays is when I feel more positive energy in the air, putting a happier pep in my step. So I hope that no matter what is going on in your life that you’re able to be thankful for someone or something that makes you smile and brings lightness to your days.

In addition to my family, I’m thankful for a beautiful city that we get to call home, with a cool downtown that has so many fun things to do and beautiful places to see, and to you who believe in the power of community and showing up.

See you on the streets soon!