Glebe Spree 2023 is here!

By Gabby Renaud
The holiday season is just around the corner, which means the Glebe is officially gearing up for one of its most cherished annual traditions, Glebe Spree! Hosted by the Glebe Business Improvement Area (BIA), this exciting event gives locals and visitors alike the opportunity to win a $10,000 Glebe shopping spree.

This year’s Spree will run from November 15 to December 31. For every $15 you spend in a participating Glebe retailer, you’ll receive one sticker. Once you’ve collected ten stickers, or $150 dollars’ worth of purchases, you’re eligible to enter the draw for the $10,000 Grand Prize shopping spree in the Glebe. Enter your ballot by December 4, and you have a chance at winning the $2,500 Early Bird Prize! Whether you’re picking up gifts for your loved ones, treating yourself or just stocking up for the holidays, every sticker gets you one step closer to the prize!

We caught up with last year’s winner, Mike Scrivens, to ask how it felt to win Glebe Spree in 2022. “I’m going to be honest, I thought this probably isn’t real,” he said. “I was a little skeptical and then felt a bit of disbelief because I don’t recall winning much. Then I felt extremely lucky!”
Scrivens spent his winnings at a few of his favourite spots: Glebe Meat Market, Bloomfields, The Rowan, Von’s, Cantina Gia, Home Hardware, The Mane Collective, Kettleman’s and Nicastro. In the spirit of giving back, he also went to McKeen Metro and bought $3,000 worth of gift cards which he donated to a local charity, Ottawa Salus.

“The Glebe BIA has been organizing this event for over a decade, and it has grown to be a beloved tradition that brings us all together during the holiday season,” says Darrell Cox, executive director of the Glebe BIA. “As you explore the historic streets of the Glebe, you’ll find beautiful holiday displays, cozy cafes and friendly shopkeepers, creating an energy that truly makes the neighbourhood feel special.”

Scrivens emphasizes that shopping locally is also about fostering a sense of community, as it provides “a great opportunity to catch up with old friends or chat with your neighbours.”

“There’s nothing better than shopping locally,” he says. “I love being able to walk to the stores and support the community. I don’t think I’ve been in a big box store in a very long time.”

Mark your calendars from November 15 to December 31, and shop locally to make this holiday season in the Glebe the most memorable one yet!
Thank you to McKeen Metro, a family-run business, which has been open in the Glebe since 1910, for sponsoring the Glebe Spree Early Bird Prize.

Gabby Renaud is marketing and communications coordinator for the Glebe BIA.