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WINDOW DECORATING CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Tuesday, December 20, 2016 - 11:23am

THE HOLIDAYS IN DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH

WINDOW DECORATING CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED

 

Delray Beach, FL (December 20, 2016)…The Downtown Merchant & Business Association and DDA hosted a Window Decorating Contest for the holidays.  More than 100 Downtown merchants participated creating festive displays in their windows and throughout their stores. Winners have been announced and are:  Most Creative: Roxy Lulu;  Most Delray: Hand’s;  Most Festive: Three way tie - The Popcorn House, Native Sun, Loverich Boutique; and Best Overall: Morley.  Downtown Delray Beach is the place to be for the holidays with shopping, dining, entertainment and fun for all.  Stroll through the beautifully decorated neighborhoods, view festive windows, shop for the perfect gift, be dazzled by the 100ft Christmas tree, and more.   

 

"BEST OVERALL"

MORLEY

"MOST CREATIVE"

ROXY LULU

 

"MOST DELRAY"

HANDS OFFICE AND ART SUPPLY

Three Way Tie:  "MOST FESTIVE"

LOVERICH BOUTIQUE

THE ORIGINAL POPCORN HOUSE

NATIVE SUN

For a complete listing of events and details please visit DowntownDelrayBeach.com/Events or phone 561.243.1077.

 

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About the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority mission is to enhance and stimulate balanced economic growth through position marketing activities that engage Downtown Businesses, residents and visitors, while creating a clean, safe, physical and experiential place to live, work and invest.  For more information, please visit www.downtowndelraybeach.com or phone 561.243.1077.

 

Media Contact: Sarah E. Flynn - Willcaro Communications LLC  

561.866.5064 - sarahf@willcarocomm.com

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CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS IN DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH

Wednesday, November 30, 2016 - 1:48pm

SHOPPING, WINDOW DECORATING CONTEST, ART WALK & MORE

Delray Beach, FL (November 30, 2016)… Join us in the spirit of this magical season! Downtown Delray Beach is the place to be for the holidays with shopping, dining, entertainment and fun for all.  Stroll through the beautifully decorated neighborhoods, view festive windows, shop for the perfect gift, experience the First Friday Art Walk with our galleries and studios, be dazzled by the 100ft Christmas tree, see a movie on the green, music, parades, and more.  “The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and merchants welcome you Downtown for the holidays, said Laura Simon, Executive Director. We are proud to provide financial support once again for the 100ft Christmas Tree, and encourage you to visit the restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and salons & spas throughout our neighborhoods: THE SET, The Ave, Pineapple Grove, SOFA, US 1 and Beachside.”

Here are a few highlights:

Window Decorating Contest • December 1, 2016

The Downtown Merchant & Business Association and DDA are hosting a Window Decorating Contest, and businesses downtown are creating festive displays in their windows and throughout their stores. Be sure to see them all beginning December 1st. Winners will be announced December 14th for Most Creative, Most Festive, Most Delray and Best Overall.

First Friday Art Walk • December 2, 2016

Special Features:

  • 3 - 5 p.m. Plein Air Paintings by Ralph Papa on exhibition at the Delray Beach Public Library (2nd Floor Gallery). Enjoy a meet & greet with the artist from 3-5 p.m. Parking is free at the Library!     

  • 5:00 p.m. (presentation to begin at 5:15 p.m.) Unveiling of THE SET mural at the Delray Tennis Center (the mural is on the wall fronting NW 3rd Avenue). 

  • 6pm – 9pm: Each Art Walk is a self-guided tour with the participation of 28 galleries and artists, special exhibits, offerings and promotions.  Stroll Artists Alley (NE 3rd Ave @ NE 4th St), Pineapple Grove (NE 2nd Avenue), and Atlantic Avenue.  This is a FREE event just show up and start wherever you like!  Art Walk Brochure & Map, along with 12/2 Art Walk Specials, available at DowntownDelrayBeach.com/FirstFridayArtWalk.

Light Up Downtown:

  • Gold starfish lined with red twinkle lights adorn the light poles along Atlantic Avenue from I-95 to A1A;
  • Twinkle lights and holiday decorations adorn the Libby Wesley Plaza at SW 5th Ave and Atlantic Avenue;
  • 26 Holiday wreath displays on the NW and SW 5th Ave. light poles;
  • Pineapple painter palette displays on the light poles along Pineapple Grove Way;
  • Twinkle lights and garland festoon the Delray Beach Pavilion, and the Visitor Information Center at Atlantic Avenue and A1A;
  • A beautiful Sphere Tree beachside at Atlantic Avenue and A1A, brought to you by: The Delray Beach DDA, Marriott Residence Inn, Boston’s On the Beach and Café Luna Rosa.

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Holiday Events Downtown

  • The 100 Ft. Christmas Tree Lighting is December 1st from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. on the grounds of Old School Square & E. Atlantic Ave. The lighting will take place at 7:15 p.m.

For a complete listing of events and details please visit DowntownDelrayBeach.com/Events or phone 561.243.1077.

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New to Downtown Delray Beach: 21 Drops®

Saturday, November 5, 2016 - 11:37am
 
   

Behind the Business

Downtown Delray Insider - Q&A with:   21 Drops®

Located at:  290 SE 6th Avenue, Delray Beach 33483

21 Drops offer the highest quality blends of 100% natural essential oils gathered from regions throughout the world. A thoroughly modern experience in Aromatherapy, 21 Drops provides a healthier, more beautiful way of living.

Interviewee:  The founder and owner of 21 Drops Essential Oil Therapy®, Cary Caster.

Learn about Cary Caster's journey in creating 21 Drops. Cary’s passion and commitment to her customers well-being is present in each and every vial of 21 Drops.

Cary Caster (BS, LMT, CCA) Botanist, Licensed Massage Therapist and Clinically Certified Aromatherapist, pursued her education in Botany and the study of plant based medicine, earning academic and clinical degrees in anatomy, physiology, and blending from institutions in the US, UK and France.  She worked in her own private practice, and recently developed 21 Drops®, a line of therapeutic quality essential oil blends for both the professional and consumer markets.

Cary Caster, The founder and owner of 21 Drops Essential Oil Therapy®

Describe the operating philosophy that drives you and your business.

Our 21 Drops® Essential Oil Therapy’s philosophy is to help people to feel and be their best self by offering 21 pre-blended, 100% natural essential oil solutions for a healthier mind and body. Our operating philosophy is to abide to the utmost standard of quality for our product ingredients and provide optimal customer satisfaction.

Tell the story of how your business has evolved since its beginning.

21 Drops® has evolved tremendously since it began 5+ years ago. From not really knowing what to expect when we first launched to now having a strong strategic game plan, we have expanded throughout the country into  major retailers, spas and hotel amenity programs. We actively participate in tradeshows and events that best fit our end consumer. Of course, experience makes all the difference in how we handle our current day-to-day business.

What is your business most known for (what keeps the customers coming back)?

We create products made from the purest ingredients gathered from around the globe and use the healing abilities of therapeutic quality essential oils to help bring balance and wellness to our customers’ minds, bodies and emotions. We make it easy to understand and use essential oils, which are extremely powerful in their healing attributes.

What is one of your most recent projects/achievements that your company has had the opportunity to work on?

We have been fortunate to be involved in many different activities, but it was providing extra essential oils to a make shift clinic in Haiti after their earthquake and to this day that certainly had the most profound effect on me. The entire island heard about this special place and people lined up for hours to receive the oils according to their needs. The whole village around this area ended up much healthier and more resilient as conditions continued to worsen even years after the episode as reports of disrepair and more internal chaos continue to jeopardize the health and wellness of this poor impoverish island.

What is something people may not know about your company?

One of the most important tenets of our brand is that we send our essential oils to a third party testing facility in Europe to ensure they meet the requirements of international standards of therapeutic quality which clearly shows that there is no adulteration of the oils and that they are not synthetic fragrance liquids, which unfortunately is a huge part of the greater essential oil market.

Any annual events or ongoing promotions the public should be aware of?

21 Drops will be offering monthly classes about the use of essential oils, focusing on the seasonality of needs and effective solutions. These will be the second Wellness Wednesday of the month, starting in November! We will also be hosting events by other wellness warriors of many kinds, so be sure to follow us on Facebook to see listings of our classes and other workshops and events that we will be hosting. We also give a 10% discount to first time purchasers, and we have instilled a frequent buyer program. We look forward to seeing everyone at the store soon! Attend a class about the use of essential oils, offered monthly at 21 Drops®.

Visit www.21drops.com to learn more and be sure to stop in, say hello, and welcome the 21 Drops team to Downtown Delray Beach!

 

 
   
Learn More About 21Drops
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Join us for the First Friday Art Walk on Oct. 14th, during Grove Week!

Monday, September 26, 2016 - 10:11am

Special Exhibits, Meet the Artists, Refreshments, Music

Delray Beach, FL (September 2016)… The October 14th First Friday Art Walk (previously 10/7 & rescheduled for the 14th due to impending weather) in Downtown Delray Beach features an evening of art, education and relaxation with the participation of 27 galleries and artists, special exhibits, offerings and promotions. This event is the main Friday night activity for GROVE WEEK (taking place October 3 - 8). Grove Week is a celebration of the arts & the diverse business mix within the Pineapple Grove Arts District & Artists Alley.

The First Friday Art Walk is a self-guided tour held on the first Friday of every month, from 6 - 9 p.m.  Stroll through art galleries and working studios, while you meet the talented, local artists that make-up this award-winning arts town. Navigate your way through the myriad styles of art in the Downtown Delray Beach Arts District: Artists Alley (337 NE 3rd Ave), Pineapple Grove (NE 2nd Avenue), Atlantic Avenue.  This is a FREE event (no ticket, pass, coupon required) – just show up and start wherever you'd like!

The Art Walk Brochure & Map is available at all participating galleries and studios, and online DowntownDelrayBeach.com/FirstFridayArtWalk, or phone the DDA at 561.243.1077.

 

Special Offers & Noteworthy News from our participating First Friday Art Walk galleries & studios:

Addison Gallery – 206 NE 2nd St (Pineapple Grove)

Opening night of "Journey", an exhibition of new works by John Schuyler celebrating what he is most known for; masterfully mixed pigments on a variety of surfaces, exploring texture and color harmony with a unique flow of energy that resonates in his works. Artist will be in attendance. Wine and Refreshments will be served.  561-278-5700

www.addisongallery.com

Amanda Johnson Studio – 337 NE 3rd Avenue (Artists Alley)

“Blood, Sweat & Glitter” Season Opening Party - All are welcome to come see what Amanda Johnson has been creating.  Blood, sweat and glitter is a brief and accurate description of her creative process this summer. Her studio is just that, a place for her to work, make a mess and experiment with new materials and techniques.

NEW:  Art by Paula - 337 NE 3rd Avenue (Artists Alley)

"There's a bit of artist in everyone, regardless of training or innate talent.” New to Artists Alley is the studio & gallery of artist Paula Epstein.  She is passionate about painting and works in watercolor, pastels and acrylics. For the evening enjoy wine, cheese, and 10% off purchased artwork.

Artists’ Guild Gallery, an auxiliary of the Boca Raton Museum of Art – 512 East Atlantic Avenue

Live entertainment inside of the gallery featuring saxophonist Luis Bonilla.

http://www.bocaguild.com/

Attila Konnyu Studio – 358 NE 4th St. (Artists Alley)

Showcasing new pieces of artwork.

Black Pearl Fine Art - 514 E. Atlantic Avenue

Wine will be offered as well as custom framing designs. Enjoy 20% off Art Books.

http://www.blackpearlfineart.com/

Blue Gallery – 600 East Atlantic Avenue

Celebrate the fall season at Blue Gallery!  For the evening enjoy 15% off any art purchased.
http://www.bluefineart.com/

Cacace Fine Art - 354 NE 4th Street, Suite D (Artists Alley)

Featuring a special exhibit of Vincent's new coastal New England paintings. http://www.cacaceart.com/

Cornell Art Museum at Old School Square - 51 N. Swinton Avenue

The Cornell Art Museum will feature Delray Beach artist, Barb Fernandez, who strives to delight the viewer with abstract assemblage utilizing unusual materials and found objects.  As a self-taught multimedia artist and painter, her primitive methods and use of cast off treasures create a unique vision of imagination. 

http://oldschoolsquare.org/events/first-friday-art-walk-6x6/  

Delray ART & Framing Center – 151 NE 2nd Avenue (Pineapple Grove)

The gallery’s artists will be in attendance to answer any questions that guests may have about their artwork.  

Ford Fine Art

Ford Fine Art will be hosting an off-site event at their private cigar club, located Downtown at 290 SE 2nd Avenue (1 block South of Kevro’s Art Bar). Tequila tasting & signature pieces of Latin American Art will be featured. http://fordfineart.com/

Ona Steele Studio – 337 NE 3rd Avenue (Artists Alley)

Ona Steele is back in town and ready to kick-off the season. Refreshments will be served.

Stacy Balmuth Studio - 337 NE 3rd Avenue (Artists Alley)

From realism to abstraction, Stacy captures the true character and emotion of the people portrayed in her paintings.  Come visit and kick off the fall season with wine and refreshments!

VT Studios Delray - 325 NE 2ND Ave. Suite 103 (Pineapple Grove)

The featured artist for the 10/7 Art Walk will be Dana Hauser. 

 

Full list of participating Art Walk Galleries:

Pineapple Grove: Addison Gallery, Gallery at Studio 5, Delray Art and Framing, Ford Fine Art, Jeff Whyman Studio

Artist Alley Studios: 4th Avenue Photography & Video, Amanda Johnson, Art by Paula, Attila Konnyu, Cacace Fine Art, Inc., Laszlo's Painting Studio, Ona Steele Studio, Stacy Balmuth, Magnus & Gordon Gallery,  Studio Romaine, Walker Romaine Gallery.

Atlantic Avenue: Artists' Guild Gallery, an auxiliary of the Boca Raton Museum of Art; Artworks by Lois Brezinski; Avalon Gallery; Black Pearl Fine Art; Blue Gallery; Cornell Art Museum; DeBilzan Gallery; Extreme Art International; Lidia Tohar Studio 101; Sundook Fine Art Gallery.

 

 

ABOUT DELRAY BEACH DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority mission is to enhance and stimulate balanced economic growth through position marketing activities that engage Downtown Businesses, residents and visitors, while creating a clean, safe, physical and experiential place to live, work and invest.  For more information, please visit downtowndelraybeach.com or phone 561.243.1077.

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5 Safety Tips for the South Florida Summer

Friday, August 5, 2016 - 5:50pm

The City of Delray Beach and the Downtown Development Authority are dedicated to keeping our city, and Downtown Delray, clean and safe. Keep safety top of mind by downloading the CodeRED Mobile Alert app. This app sends out the latest safety and weather alerts in your area using your phone or tablet’s GPS and your customized settings. In the throes of summer is it easy to forget the many basics that help to keep you, and your families safe. Read on to learn our top 5 tips for a safe summer in South Florida. 

  1. Stay Hydrated – The scorching Florida heat can quickly take its toll, especially on young children and senior citizens. Many times the recommended 8 glasses a day are just not enough. We suggest investing in a reusable water bottle that you can keep with you at all times. If you notice you have suddenly stopped sweating or begin to feel dizzy, drink water immediately and find a cool place to rest.
  2. Apply & Re-Apply Sunscreen & Bug Spray – It’s a great habit to apply Sunscreen each morning but many times it is easy to forget to reapply when enjoying the summer sun. Sunscreen protects you from the harmful UVA & UVB rays and decreases the development of skin cancer. Besides those pesky bites, mosquitoes can also carry harmful diseases. Residents and visitors are urged to apply bug spray regularly and avoid stagnant bodies of water.
  3. Use Designated Cross Walks & Rail Road Crossings – Even in summer, Atlantic Avenue is bustling. To ensure the safety of yourself and others, use only the designated cross walks and Rail Road crossings. When you are behind the wheel, do not speed and be cautious of pedestrians.
  4. Be Aware of Your Surroundings – A good rule of thumb is that if you SEE something, SAY something. Delray Beach PD can be found throughout the downtown and in case of suspicious activity be sure to call the Police Department non-emergency number at 561.243.7800. In the case of a life threatening emergency call 911. It is important to remember to park in a well lit area, remove all valuables from your vehicle and lock your car at all times.
  5. Make Your Hurricane Preparedness Plan – With the height of hurricane season in full effect, make sure you and your families have a plan for an incoming storm. Ensure you know the closest evacuation routes in your area and fill up your gas tank days before a storm is set to arrive. To guarantee you are not scrambling for last minute supplies, keep your pantry stocked with at least 1 gallon per day/per person for at least 3 to 5 days. Make sure your batteries, flashlights and candles are in a designated area where all family members can find them even in the event of a power outage.

Click here to learn more about hurricane preparedness. 

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