March 29, 2024

Strollin’: Downtown Alliance brings St. Nick to square

Newton had a jolly visitor Saturday afternoon, as the man with the red coat and white beard popped in to say hello at downtown shops. Children and grown-ups alike were treated to the “Santa Stroll” sponsored by the Destination Downtown Newton Alliance as shoppers made their purchases around the square.

“We’ve had Santa downtown other years for various events,” Destination Downtown Newton member and Olive ’et Boutique owner Vicki Wade said. “We’re always looking for opportunities to get the community involved in downtown stores and restaurants.”

Walking from shop to shop, Santa peaked in the windows, gave a wave and posed for pictures with surprised and excited shoppers. He even added to his list the requests of good — and not so good — little boys and girls.

Wade said besides bringing attention to the downtown district, she hoped the event would give children an opportunity to meet Santa if they haven’t had a chance to see the head elf yet this year.

“We thought there might be families, children that haven’t made it out of town to see Santa,” Wade said. “It gives families or extended family members a chance to visit with Santa, an opportunity for grandparents to take their grandkids out.”

She also added for the shoppers who are getting a little later start this year, it is a nice chance to shop and have a Santa visit, too.

Shoppers will have another chance to visit with Santa before the big day is here. He will be back from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday strolling through downtown along with a special book reading beginning at 1 p.m. at Book Trader Tan America.

The event is put on by Destination Downtown Newton, an alliance to advance the vibrancy, vitality and prosperity of the downtown district. Comprised of retailers and restaurants in the area, its focus is on community celebrations, family-friends programming, business promotions and signature events.

Businesses participating in the alliance include Silverado Jewelry, The Farmers Wife, Fine Things Reclaimed, Mattingly Music, Esther & Co., Relics, LLC, Fresh Flowers by Fine Things, Olive’ et Boutique and Book Trader Tan American.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com