In 2025..
We would like to form working groups for each event that takes place in Bristol. These groups will work together to plan ways that businesses can thrive during events that already are taking place.
These events include:
Daffodil Days
RWU / parents weekend etc.
Holiday Preview
Black Ships Festival
Porchfest
British Car Festival
Bird Fest/Nest Fest (Blithwold)
Linden Place (Kentucky Derby)
BMA annual Membership drive
Christmas Festival
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Please fill out the form to choose your event!
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Annual Events Hosted by the BMA
Don't miss the opportunity to be a part of the Bristol Merchant Association events.
Our annual events are a great way for you to connect with other business owners in the community and promote your business. Your participation is key to the success of these events and the downtown businesses. Join us and be a part of the thriving business community in Bristol!
The State Street Fair Series
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The Bristol Merchants Association hosts four State Street Fairs between April and October. Each fair features different local artists and vendors along with live music. It brings foot traffic to downtown Bristol and creates a unique experience for residents and visitors each time.
Halloween Walkabout
The Halloween Walkabout in downtown Bristol takes place on the Sunday afternoon before Halloween from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.
Local businesses who are members of the BMA give out candy and sometimes dress up in costume. Kids up to 12 years of age, in costume and accompanied by an adult, are invited to participate.
The BMA designs a map every year for "trick-or-treaters" to follow, showing which businesses to visit for a treat.
Holiday Preview
*If you are a downtown business and would like to participate in this event, you must submit your membership by September 1st to have your business advertised in our 2025 Holiday Preview Flyers. This years event will include a trolley to transport shoppers to ALL participating businesses. The trolley route must be created according to what businesses are participating. After signing up for your membership, you must fill out our holiday preview form asap to let us know what you will be doing in your business on the night of November 21st to draw customers in.
(example: sale/pop-up shop, special drink/food, gift card special, etc.)
The Bristol Merchants Association's Holiday Preview Weekend is the weekend before Thanksgiving and gives shoppers an early chance to see what the local merchants and restaurants will be offering for the Christmas shopping season.
Local businesses who participate will have their business name on the Holiday Preview flyers which are advertised in local newspapers, magazines, etc. Participating businesses will also receive flyers to display in their windows. Businesses will also receive luminaries to place outside their business on the night of the Holiday Preview event. Shoppers are directed to "follow the luminaries".
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This event kicks off the start and distribution of Snowflake Raffle tickets. Each business will be given raffle tickets that will then be handed out to shoppers who shop in their business from mid-November to mid-December. Shoppers will receive 1 ticket for every $25 spent. Every ticket will give them a chance to win a cash prize at our annual Snowflake Raffle Drawing Event which is held in mid December. *On Holiday Preview weekend, shoppers will receive double Snowflake Raffle tickets (limit 50 per purchase).
Snowflake Raffle
At The Bristol Merchant Association's Snowflake Raffle event, ticket holders crowd lower State Street where raffle winners are announced. Anyone who made a purchase at participating merchants or restaurants in Bristol beginning with the Holiday Preview Weekend can win a cash prize. The drawing takes place in mid December.
What we're working on...
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We are always looking for new ways to make our Holiday Preview event better! If you have any ideas for this event that you would like to share, come to our next meeting and/or join the BMA!
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A new and improved map of Bristol that will include ALL Bristol businesses. We are working closely with "Explore Bristol" on the map for 2025.