Taking a look at the impact of holiday events in downtown Spokane [Video]

SPOKANE, Wash. — Two holiday events kick off the Christmas season in downtown Spokane on Saturday, one of them happening for the first time.

Around 1.4 million people went downtown for holiday events last year, generating tens of millions of dollars for the local economy. It’s a time of year the Downtown Spokane Partnership says is vital to support local businesses.

“This is the time of year where you can really make or break local businesses,” Elisabeth Hooker, VP of Marketing and Programming with the Downtown Spokane Partnership, said.

Hooker said she and other staff have been working hard preparing for the holiday season in downtown to help local businesses. It’s working toward a goal to increase profits for local businesses at River Park Square. Hooker said the city isn’t there yet.

“We …