DECEMBER BUSINESS: Downtown Edmond Business Association

If you’re a fan of popular downtown Edmond events like the annual Downtown Edmond Arts Festival, the Edmond Electric Parade of Lights and Downtown Edmond Fall Festival, you can thank a group of folks working behind the scenes to make those happen.

That’s the Downtown Edmond Business Association (DEBA), a troop of business owners who’ve made it their mission to keep the downtown area alive and vibrant by orchestrating several family-friendly events throughout the year.

Now, the group is preparing to wow residents and visitors with several holiday events, including the Holiday Hop at the Rodkey House, the Parade of Lights and Mayor’s Tree Lighting, all on December 3rd. DEBA also plans visits from Santa Claus and free wagon rides on Saturdays throughout December.

Not only that, they’re anticipating holiday shoppers who hope to keep their money in their community.

“So many people order off the internet now, it’s nice to come downtown and get really great personal customer service like back in the olden days and get that one-on-one attention you don’t get online,” said Stephanie Carel, DEBA president and owner of Silver Leaf Gems.

The association is always open to new members, said Koorosh Zahrai, DEBA’s advertising co-chair. Being involved in the group creates opportunities to network with other business owners, stay engaged in the community and promote your business. And best of all? You get to contribute to the vitality of downtown Edmond.

“Downtown Edmond is really the heart of the Edmond community,” Zahrai said. “Being down here is exciting because it’s a microcosm for all the amazing things going on in the community.”

Zahrai said he enjoys seeing the community rally around new events like the Heard on Hurd street festival and embrace the annual longstanding events too. He looks forward to helping DEBA provide events that attract the community and also help residents and visitors alike to “Experience Downtown Edmond.”

“That’s our motto,’” he said. “Part of that is being able to walk with your family down tree-lined, brick-paved streets, to walk around and eat at different restaurants and bars and coffee shops, to see artwork and pick up newest fashions at local boutiques. You can spend the weekend here or stop in after work—whatever you’re in the mood for, you can probably find it in downtown Edmond.”

Visit downtownedmondok.com to learn more about the Downtown Edmond Business Association.