Small businesses unite for Holiday on the Ave celebration in Spokane

SPOKANE, Wash. — Winter holidays are fast approaching and the Sprague Union District was filled with festive cheer Saturday for its fourth annual On The Ave event.

Rainy and cold weather didn’t stop people from enjoying the event, which saw more involvement from businesses this year than ever before.

On The Ave offers unique shopping opportunities and raises awareness for local businesses.

As the beloved event grows, so does that part of town.

“They are a great way to get people out in the district,” said Heather Hanley, one of the owners of the Tin Roof Furniture Store. “Things they are not normally going to see during a shopping adventure.”

The Tin Roof Furniture Store has been on Sprague Avenue for nearly eight decades. Hanley said she’s seen firsthand the growth in the district throughout the years.

“My dad and I always thought it could be this way,” Hanley said.

City funding and street improvements have transformed Sprague into the vibrant hub it is today. However, running a business is challenging. As things get busier, it’s harder to make personal connections.

Dana Reinke, one of the event organizers, said Holiday On the Ave helps foster those relationships.

“Multiple businesses come together in the community and give back and have people come in and just interact and do things. We all are so bust that it’s just nice to see it when we can sit down and really enjoy each other,” Reinke said. “That’s what really happens here in the events.”

Various businesses joined the festivities this year for the first time. All of the fun was free as a way to give back to the community.

“It’s just lovely to feel that warmth and support, especially during the holidays,” said Addison Nelson, a barista at Wake-Up Call Coffee.

The event highlighter how local businesses contribute to the community. For Hanley, the hope is that this spirit of giving continues year-round.

“Without local businesses like this, we don’t have a Main Street anymore. We just have a mouse and a screen. Without businesses you just don’t have that community feel,” Hanley said.