Courtesy Umbrellas

Everyone in Holland, Michigan is familiar with the April showers that bring up Holland's famous May flowers, but now you can avoid those showers while you shop. The Holland Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce the launch of a new program in downtown Holland offering courtesy umbrellas to shoppers and visitors.

"We think these umbrellas are a fun way to welcome people to downtown Holland," said Sally Laukitis, Executive Director of the Holland Visitors Bureau. "We want people to be able to visit all their favorite shops - or discover a new favorite- even in a rain shower."

Shoppers are encouraged to grab an umbrella at any one of 34 participating shops and restaurants, use it during their visit, and then return it at their final shopping stop or the Visitors Bureau. The umbrellas are a distinctive teal-and-white golf-style umbrella with a cheerful "Return to Downtown Holland" reminder that the umbrellas are for use on the honor system. Participating shops have a small white sign in their window denoting umbrella availability.

"We can't stop the rain, but we can stop our customers from getting wet!" said Karla Scheifele, owner of Karla's Place. "We love that we can keep people happy and dry!"

For questions about the program, please contact Wendy Link at the Holland Visitors Bureau, at 616.394.0000. 

List of Holland-area businesses with courtesy umbrellas:  

AlpenRose Restaurant
Gliks for Men & Gliks for Women
Newb's
Tikal
Thomas A. Davis
Peachwave Frozen Yogurt
Eighth Street Salon
Frances Jaye
Our Brewing Company
Cottage Corner
Designworks
Benchmark
Curragh Irish Pub
Karla's Place
Michigan Pantry
Globe Vision
Home & Company
Tip Toes
Gazelle Sports
Borr's Shoes
Fustinis
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt
The Seasoned Home
Warners Vineyards
City Deli
Andrea Crossman Realty
Lemonjellos
Blackbird
Teermans
Harbor Wear
Merle Norman
Readers World
Holland Visitors Bureau
WHTC radio station