By Rori Bennett – Junior Reporter
Downtown Wallaceburg was buzzing with families browsing from store to store on Thursday evening, at the annual Downtown Wallaceburg Holiday Open House.
Despite the rain and wind, hundreds of local residents and visitors made their way downtown, to support local small-town businesses, street vendors and merchants, as well as experience entertainment and food.
Dana Haggith, of the Sydenham Current, caught up with Travis Hooper, one of the event organizers, while the the volunteers were tearing down after the event:
The event ran from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in stores along James Street, Creek Street, Duncan Street, Nelson Street, and Wellington Street and featured holiday-themed displays and specials from over 20 businesses.
“What a great turnout despite the weather,” Diane Foster, owner of Foster’s Meats, told the Sydenham Current.
“We were amazed at the number of people who came out to this event. Thanks to all who stopped in to visit our store, and try our new line of soups.”
Carriage rides were offered free of charge, travelling up and down James Street. There were also local carolers singing Christmas songs throughout the downtown core.
@wburgbia Holiday Open House 👀 pic.twitter.com/2eansvvcP2
— Sydenham Current (@SydenhamCurrent) November 22, 2019
Many businesses ran sales of their products, and most held draws for different free items and discounts.
Even Santa appeared, walking around Downtown Wallaceburg, to greet all of the children and families in attendance.
“It was absolutely amazing to see the streets so busy during the Annual Holiday Open House,” Kristyna Roocroft, who works at Homeward Realty, told the Sydenham Current.
“This event is one that the entire downtown looks forward to each November. Great job to the organizers and volunteers for another wonderful event.”
Here are some photos from the event, from Rori Bennett:
Here are some photos from Dana Haggith:
