Christmas at The Center..

Where is The Center you're probably saying? The merchants have renamed the plaza in Sharon The Center (amongst ourselves thus far) because we felt, what with the new market coming, that we needed a whole new name and outlook to go with the new market, our new exterior painting and our new signage. The stores were built for the most part way back in the 60's, and it has always been the Sharon Shopping Center. We just thought, why not, lets all start-anew!

Tonight for the first time for all of us, we had a Christmas Shopping and Open House Event with everyone participating. At the Sharon Pharmacy I caught Dave reading the sports page at a quiet moment. He said that they had a good number of folks in, and felt it was a success for the first time trying something new.

At my store, Rick's Wine & Spirits, I had a representative of Millbrook Vineyard on hand for a wine tasting. We had probably 30 to 40 people stop in and give the wines a try. We sold a few as gifts, and some more just for normal consumption. Tim Krause was the rep, and he was very nice to explain characteristics about each wine to the people as they came in and sampled. It was a pleasure to have him there. We will be tasting their wines again on Saturday if interested!

Santa and some of his elves made an appearance at The Sharon Farm Market for a bit this afternoon and early evening. I am told those who saw him had a great time. He was already gone by the time I showed up with my camera however.

At Shear Illusions, the hair salon in the Center,  Becky the owner, and a few of her staff hosted a nice little feed and drink for those attending. This was her way of saying Merry Christmas to her customers and anyone who wanted to stop by. This has been an annual event for them for a number of years now. When I was there, there were folks from about 6 months or so, to well, older.... A nice time was had!

At the Webster Bank, they couldn't really do any banking per se, but they did provide some Hot Chocolate, eggnog, cookies and more. Mary Millet was on hand to visit and say hi representing the bank, and it was nice to have them involved!

At The Bodhi Tree, that great little new shop now entering their second season in Sharon, the place was aglow and just really festive. I heard they even had musicians to calm the shoppers with some nice soothing rhythms. Sweet!

After closing, I went out for dinner with Clare, and when we came back, the illuminaria were still glowing, and they looked neat with the snow sifting down.

So, the first attempt for the merchants at The Center has come and gone.  I think we learned a lot, and found some things that didn't work, and found some that did. Considering how bitter it had been today, the fact that as many came out as they did was pretty remarkable. Speaking for myself, I am very thankful to all that came to show their support of us with this new endeavor. Hopefully, we can do it again next year, but with a few tune-ups from lessons learned this time. Our group of merchants is meeting monthly so watch for more things as time moves along!

Next Thursday, the 16th, it will be Men's Night at The Center, with more things happening. Watch this space for an announcement on either Sunday or Monday.

Thanks again everyone!