Our Locals – Ashleigh Watters

Each month we will be featuring a different Downtown Abbotsford local here on our blog space. We would love to introduce you to Ashleigh Watters, our very own Events and Marketing Manager at the Abbotsford Downtown Business Association!

Here’s what Ashleigh has to say about Downtown Abbotsford:

After my first bite of a Duft & Co. lemon sugar bun I was hooked! It wasn’t until I started working in Abbotsford that I learnt about the hidden gem in a town full of farm fields known as ‘Downtown Abbotsford’. The shops, architecture, and restaurants kept drawing me back and I now work for the Downtown as the event coordinator. 

The relationships I have built with business and community members truly make it what it is. Seeing a friendly smile or a quick catch up on the sidewalk reminds me of a small town where you know everyone and you’re excited to hold the door open for them! 

I love getting to be a part of and witness the transformation of the streets on event days from start to finish! Some of my favourite event moments in the downtown have been seeing a zip line down Montrose Avenue at Berry Fest, putting an ice rink in the middle of the street at the Winter Jubilee and seeing the magic on a child’s face when Santa pulled a stuffed animal out of his big red bag for her! The list could go on! 

Downtown Abbotsford is always changing, growing and evolving – which I love! With things always changing it can be hard to pick some favourites but here are a few of mine. My go to spot for a bite to eat is at Lepp’s Daily Market. My favourite day of the week downtown is Thursday evenings in the summer, when Yoga in the Park is running. And my go to treat is an Earl Grey Snickerdoodle from Old Hand Coffee. 

Downtown Abbotsford is now a second home to me and I am proud to be a part of it.