March 29, 2024

Retail Open House builds ‘shop local’ enthusiasm

Hundreds visit courthouse square businesses

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Lots of events start with the ringing of a bell, such as a school day or the opening of New York Stock Exchange trading.

Downtown Newton business owners hope the bells played Saturday signify the beginning of a prosperous holiday shopping season.

Tintinnabulation, a local handbell ensemble, performed at Uncle Nancy’s Coffee House on Saturday as the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce Retail Open House was getting started. That was followed by hundreds of visitors, spread over several hours, coming to shops around downtown as part of the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Retail Open House that took place Saturday and Sunday.

The shopping opportunities were accompanied by horse and carriage rides, an appearance from Santa Claus himself, and games for children.

Chamber Director Amanda Price said she thinks the Retail Open House and the upcoming Small Business Saturday are important because those promote unique shopping that is right here in the community.

“With online shopping becoming the norm, we need to remember that shopping local keeps those dollars in our community,” Price said. “Shopping local can help increase the diversity of businesses we have and can help increase the services as well. Seeing all the people out shopping our downtown this weekend just put a smile on my face. It was awesome to see the stores full and the registers ringing.”

Santa was responsible for some smiles as well. Although not everyone warmed up to him right away. The bearded one needed some icebreaker conversation with some of the more timid, younger children, but many of them eventually told Santa about their holiday wish lists with a smile and a high-five.

When Plume Hill Carriage arrived and began to set up for horse-drawn carriage rides, a small group of customers were already waiting for them on the square. Some of the riders were so young, it was likely the first time they’d ever seen the courthouse square from the vantage point of a carriage.

The carriage brings riders around the square where they can view the holiday decorations in the store fronts while listening to the jingle bells on the horses as they trot. Also, the Newton Children’s Choir will be caroling from store to store to add to the holiday spirit.

There are a few other events designed to help promote Newton commerce this season.

The Chamber has also started an “Elf on the Shelf” holiday promotion this year. Similar to the popular game played in homes, the elf will be hidden in one of the stores downtown and clues about his location will be given out on the Chamber’s Facebook page of his location. The first person to identify the hiding spot will receive $10 in Chamber Bucks.

A holiday parade will make its return to the square. The deadline to complete an entry registration form and to pay the $5 entry fee is Nov. 21. The parade is set for Nov. 25 after the 6 p.m. courthouse lighting ceremony.

Small Business Saturday is a nationwide event set for Nov. 26, the day after the parade and courthouse lighting.

Price said small business owners are the heartbeat that helps keep the community thriving.

“It is really important to remember also that these small business owners are amazing stewards of our community,” Price said. “They donate their time, sometimes their services, and money to help fund local events that we all love to attend.”

Contact Jason W. Brooks at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or jbrooks@newtondailynews.com