Adam Prudhomme
Beaver Staff
Shoppers will have the chance to cross some names off their holiday list while helping a good cause on Dec. 14 as the Downtown Napanee Shopping Party returns for an 11th year.
Just about every store in Greater Napanee’s downtown core is expected to take part from 6 to 9 p.m., offering a wide variety of discounts, treats, sales, live entertainment, draws and gifts with purchase. Stores will also be accepting food and cash donations that will be distributed to the Salvation Army, Lennox and Addington Interval House and Morning Star Mission.
Originally launched by Starlet Boutique owners Cat and Jefta Monster, this year the event will be hosted by the Downtown Napanee Business Improvement Area.
“Starlet has done it for 10 years and done it so well for 10 years,” said BIA manager Tiffany Lloyd. “They’ve put a lot of time, money and energy into this and they’ve so graciously said we trust you, you’ve got this. Starlet is still very much involved. They’re still doing the food drive, they’re still offering discounts, if we’re lucky Jefta may still dress up like Elf.”
Lloyd says the format of the last decade has been so successful, the BIA will be bringing back all the crowd favourites. That includes carollers, horse drawn wagon rides, Santa and real-live reindeer.
The event aims to not only offer deals to holiday shoppers, but also serve as a reminder that locals don’t have to travel to a big city for their shopping needs.
Dundas Street will remain open to traffic throughout the event and as always downtown parking is free of charge.
During the Downtown Shopping Party many of the stores will be staying open beyond their usual hours of operation. Any store that has its lights on is participating in the event.
Lloyd also confirmed the Salvation Army’s brass band will play.
The Downtown Shopping Party is organized by the Downtown Napanee Merchants and sponsored by Starlet Boutique.