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WALLINGFORD — Businesses on and around Center Street kept their doors open late Friday night as shoppers flocked to the annual Holiday Stroll.
The event showcases the town’s small businesses and encourages residents to do their shopping there by providing a holiday atmosphere more like a fair than a shopping experience.
“I think it’s really good that they do this,” said resident Maria Walle, who was with her husband Armon. “We need to support the businesses here because they depend on our business to survive and it’s been so hard for everyone lately.”
By the looks of the two large bags she was carrying, that’s exactly what she did.
“I’ve gotten some shopping done,” she said, “but we also came here for the food.”
Wallingford Center Inc. and the town’s Parks and Recreation Department sponsored the event that is the unofficial kickoff of the holiday season as a prelude to Saturday’s Seasons of Celebrations at Town Hall, when the town’s Christmas tree is lit.
But the focus Friday was on shopping, and it gives a lift to both residents and business owners.
“I opened my doors at 9:30 (Friday morning) with people walking through. I run the event all day long,” said Cindy’s Unique Shop owner Cindy Ruszczyk, who usually closes earlier in the evening but stayed open late Friday night. It’s the 15th year she has participated, she said.
“It’s definitely a good night and people are definitely out and they’re holly and they’re jolly,” she said. “It’s a good night so far.”
While the skies looked threatening in the afternoon, the rain held off long enough to allow everyone to enjoy the evening.
“Thank God the weather is holding off for us all,” she said.
Elizabeth’s Bakery owner Elizabeth Xicohtencalt also stayed past her normal 4 p.m. closing time to take part in the event, but she was stationed at a booth in the street in front of her business because they are in the process of moving, she said.
“It’s been pretty busy,” she said. The crowds seemed to match those that turned out last year, she said, which numbered more than 800. “I would say it’s less traffic for us because we’re moving so we don’t have the storefront open,” she said, so they were offering limited inventory.
The business is in the process of moving to 824 East Center St. and will be for the next few weeks, she said.
Cheshire resident Sheila Latornnet said she was mostly window shopping but had spotted several items she thinks she’ll be purchasing.
“I love Christmas events, and I’ve come here for several years now. Wallingford has some very nice businesses and I would rather give them my money than a big box store or a website,” she said, adding that she has relatives who own a small business in Madison and knows from them the struggle it can be just to survive.
“I really think we have to get back to basics and support each other,” she said. “It’s become so convenient to shop online that people forget there are businesses out there. We need to live more of our lives offline and get out and shop at actual businesses.”
kramunni@record-journal.com
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