Shopping event brings out crowds
Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Shoppers crowded the downtown area last Friday and Saturday to the extent there were mini pedestrian traffic jams on the sidewalks. The occasion was the annual Holiday Trail event, with stores along Brock Street offering a variety of treats.
Leah Daniels performs for an adoring crowd inside Low’s Furniture on Brock St. W. Photo by John Cavers
In one storefront, the Cindy Wood team set out a couple of dozen boxes into which shoppers could drop tickets in hopes of winning prizes from a host of different stores. All the money raised through sales of the tickets was earmarked for the Uxbridge Hospital Foundation.
In the back room of Blue Heron Books, Handmade in Uxbridge set out works by a slew of local artists, offering paintings and fine crafts. In the front of the store, Katherine Joy Sowden of Trenton was selling copies of her new book, Santa Canuck, which takes young readers on a geographical tour of Santa's Canadian leg. Santa and Mrs. Claus held court in the front room of HBee Architects, welcoming dozens of wide-eyed children. But it wasn't just children. Mayor Dave Barton took time to sit on Mrs. Claus' lap and make his Christmas request.
At Bounty from the Boonies, singer Derek Virgo entertained customers while they sipped on free samples of blueberry tea. Another featured performer was Leah Daniels, who spent as much time chatting with youngsters as she did playing her keyboard and singing at Low's Furniture.
Rutledge Jewelers was a popular spot as shoppers took time to have their photos taken while sitting on the two snowmobiles set out in front of the store.
Also part of the event was the Toonie Trail, with various stores offering toonie bargains. Helping the shoppers get around was the Town Trolley. That's because there were a few locations taking part that were not in the downtown area. They included Boston Pizza, Slabtown Cider and 4ssst.
To help put shoppers in the holiday spirit, a bubble machine outside one store sent clouds of soapy orbs drifting over the scene and flashing lights lit the night.
To top off the yearly event, the Optimist Club of Uxbridge opened their annual Fantasy of Lights in Elgin Park on Saturday evening.