Adam Prudhomme
Beaver Staff
Busy sidewalks dressed in holiday style and filled with shoppers heading home with their treasures will be the scene in Napanee on Dec. 15 during the 10th annual Downtown Shopping Party.
Once again Starlet’s Cat Monster is organizing the event, which will feature horse-drawn wagon rides, carollers, real live reindeer, a food drive, sales and, of course, Santa Claus. The event, which runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., is all about encouraging shoppers to check out the unique stores of Napanee’s downtown core while giving back to the community.
“There’s well over 30 stores participating,” said Monster. “They’ll be doing different customer appreciation promos. They’ll all be accepting food donations, but some will be doing discounts for food donations.”
Others will have draws, discounts and live entertainment. Santa will begin his night at Chill, where he’ll be joined by Becky Hinch, trading photos with kids for food donations. From there he’ll be wandering Dundas Street and handing out candy. Monster says Buddy the Elf, who was quite the hit with shoppers last year and a big fan of Santa, will also be on hand strolling through the downtown.
“We wanted to do something that was like an open house and a way to give back to the community,” said Monster of the shopping party’s origins 10 years ago. “It snowballed and so many businesses wanted to participate from the get-go. You’re hopeful it’ll keep going and become part of people’s family tradition and we’re so grateful it has. Our whole team looks forward to it. Christmas is complete with the kiddos and the kids all home from college and university and families wandering around and enjoying the festivities.”
Donated food collected from the night will be shared among L&A Interval House, Salvation Army and Morning Star Mission while money will be collected for Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre.
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.