SEQUIM — As regulations go back into place statewide with COVID-19 case counts going up, Sequim business leaders encourage residents to think of how they can support local businesses this holiday season during the pandemic.

“This is absolutely a make-or-break time,” said Ginny Holladay, communications director for the Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce.

“Our message really is that our business community is what supports the rest of our community. It’s our time to support them.”

That mindset follows along with the chamber’s annual Hometown Holidays and its surrounding events on Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and holiday season.

A list of events with details can be found at the chamber’s website under sequimchamber.com/hometown2020.

Tree lighting

Because of health restrictions regarding social gatherings, the annual tree lighting has become a virtual event.

The website features a countdown clock to 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 26, when people can view the tree begin to glow at the northeast corner of Sequim Avenue and Washington Street.

The event also can be viewed at facebook.com/sequimchamber.

The tree has been contributed by Brown Maloney and will be decorated by Captain-Crystal Stout, Emily Westcott and other volunteers.

Unlike previous years, Santa Claus and live music will not be featured due to state regulations.

Elk on a Shelf

Sequim businesses will continue to offer the Elk on a Shelf scavenger hunt from Nov. 27-Dec. 23, an event that sees customers seeking elk statues in participating locations for prizes.

Tentatively, about 20 businesses plan to participate across Sequim. See the chamber website for a full list.

Window display

All Sequim businesses are invited to participate in the window display competition.

A suggested theme is “Christmas past, present and future,” but organizers welcome any holiday theme.

Photos can be submitted to Holladay at info@sequimchamber.com through Dec. 1.

Community members will then vote online through Dec. 23 for the top business to receive a one-year membership to the chamber.

Shop small

Holladay said chamber staffers and business leaders retooled Hometown Holidays to continue supporting the small business community.

Following the phrase “Shop Sequim strong,” she encourages people to “shop now, shop local and support businesses any way you can.”

That includes sharing posts on social media about the businesses and/or sharing encouraging messages to businesses.

“The chamber is always here to advocate and support, and we’re stopping anything and everything to get our business community through these next weeks and months,” Holladay said.

For more information on the Sequim-Dungeness Chamber of Commerce, 1192 E. Washington St., and the Hometown Holidays, visit sequimchamber.com/hometown2020 or call 360-683-6197.