The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
It is more than time to act on your holiday meal
Deadlines for some of the best carryout Thanksgiving dinners already have passed.
“We really want folks to come and experience what our stores have here in the downtown. The business owners are very friendly. They’re really looking forward to seeing some friendly faces in their stores over the holiday season.” — Cathy Bieterman, Painesville Economic Development Director
Painesville’s annual Holiday Shop and Stroll will put the focus on supporting local businesses.
Economic Development Director Cathy Bieterman said the event that typically consists of two days will now span three, beginning Nov. 19 and ending the 21. Each day, shopping begins at noon and ends at 7 p.m.
Bieterman said usually the first day focuses on shopping while the second day is Spirit of the Season, a day that is “more family oriented.”
“This year, in light of not being able to hold an event, we are just promoting shopping in the downtown for the holiday season,” she said.
“There’s a lot of store owners who have been here for generations now, and their stores have very unique history to them, as well as new products that folks are looking for today.”
Bieterman said for every $100 you spend at a local business, $68 stays in the community and in general, local businesses “contribute greatly” to the community.
“The business owners live here, they work here,” she said. “They give back to our local schools, to our local nonprofits, and they really support those who are here in the local community.”
The Holiday Shop and Stroll is not designed str ic tly for Painesv ille residents, but Bieterman said members from surrounding areas are welcome to come join in on the three-day event.
“We really want folks to
come and experience what our stores have here in the downtown,” she said.
“The business owners are very friendly. They’re really looking forward to seeing some friendly faces in their stores over the holiday season.”