By Dana Kroll, Uptown Marketing and Communications Specialist
Uptown GR Inc. is pleased to announce that it is officially Uptown Shop Hop Season and
have planned a month-long celebration of all things local and festive in its district this year (from November 16 through December 24), along with
one special day of extra fun for all, on Thursday, December 2.
For more than twenty years the traditional event has served as an invitation to visit the district for one special evening per year, during which
patrons can holiday shop, eat, visit, and enjoy entertainment in Uptown, all while supporting the small and independently owned businesses there. It
has grown exponentially over the years to become a tradition to annually repeat for many of its patrons, and a new one to begin for many more.
Per Ingrid Miller, Uptown GR Inc. Executive Director: “It is our organization’s honor to spearhead this event and create an invitation for the
community and visitors to enjoy our festive district and support our unique local businesses. Shop Hop is an unparalleled regional shopping
experience, but moreover, it is an event created and supported by a community that is the backbone of our neighborhood business districts.”
Of necessity is often born invention, and as of last year and with public health and safety in mind, a new tradition was added to the affair. At that
time during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was deemed prudent to encourage patrons to support those small businesses who needed it more than
ever, but to consider doing so all season long instead of focusing one evening. This was to allow for a less bustling, yet still merry, shopping
experience for all. The approach was a wild success and has now become a new tradition to the Uptown Shop Hop brand and will be so going
forward.
Per Peter Jacob, Uptown Marketing Committee Chairperson and Co-Owner of The Cakabakery: “I’m so thrilled to be chairing this event once again
because, as we know, it creates economic opportunity for all parties involved – the shoppers who support our businesses, and the businesses
themselves – Uptown boasts nearly 400 unique and independently owned shops, restaurants and service businesses and many are already your
favorites. I can’t wait to see you in Uptown.”
Shoppers and experience-seekers are encouraged to visit from now until December 24, where they will find a fully spruced district that is fully
accessible for both walking and with gracious parking throughout. Meanwhile, extra special festivities are planned, district-wide, beginning at 3 pm
on Thursday, December 2. Uptown GR Inc. has contracted with an unprecedented roster of local artists and performers, including the Grand Rapids
Opera, Deos Ballet, the Grand Rapids Girls Choral, and many more, who will share their talents with installations and performances throughout the
day and evening.
Uptown consists of four business districts: Eastown, East Fulton, Wealthy Street, and East Hills. In all climates, Uptown celebrates its people, partnerships, and possibilities. Its mission is to sustain a strong and vibrant urban district through planning, coordinating, and communicating with and between all sectors of the Uptown community and beyond.
For more information about this and all things Uptown, please contact Ingrid Miller.