December 12, 2008 will see the final print publication of Squamish Events Guide. Launched in May 2005 along with partner Karen Shard, What's On Squamish published every two weeks for almost four years. The paper featured community, arts, and sporting events and helped promote many local arts and culture happenings around Squamish. in February 2008, Jude Goodwin and Karen Shard went their separate ways and Goodwin continued to publish the paper throughout the summer and fall.

"I loved the paper and thoroughly enjoyed gathering the events, creating the graphics, and having fun with design and we received lots of great feedback from people." says Goodwin.

Goodwin notes the paper didn't really support itself and the time came to decide on either doubling in size (which would hopefully bring in more ad revenue) or putting it to bed for good.

"Times are getting tough and there's lots of print competition out there," Goodwin continues. "The arts, tourism, Chamber and business organizations had to decide whether they wanted to support a printed events guide or invest their advertising dollars elsewhere."

Goodwin expresses great appreciation to all her advertisers over the four years for helping to keep the little community events calendar going. Goodwin Studios will be handing out refunds to any advertisers who have prepaid for ads that will not appear.

"It's been a lot of fun but now we're an 'online only' calendar which is better for the environment and there's still lots of opportunity for advertising on the website. Without the expense of printing and delivery, our overhead is much lower. We can offer ads at very affordable rates and it will be much easier to continue with our community events listings without the financial pressure experienced with a print publication. "

Goodwin also explains that readers and fans of What's On! Squamish will be able to subscribe to a weekly events listing which will come into their email boxes.

"Hopefully people will print that out and share it with friends who might not have a computer or access to the internet."

The Squamish Events Guide website was voted Best Local Website two years in a row in the Squamish Chief readership contest.

You can find all your favourite categories, events and community notices on

SQUAMISH EVENTS GUIDE

www.squamisheventsguide.com

"I'm excited." Goodwin says. "This will give me a lot more time gather events and futher develop the calendar site as well as focus on my website design business. AND we have a big announcement as well!"

Readers will have to return in January to find out what that announcement might be.

Last changed: Apr 05 2009 at 6:15 AM