IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Thousands come out for 35th Troy Victorian Stroll

TROY, N.Y.» Downtown Troy was bustling with people, music and festivities Sunday during the 35th annual Troy Victorian Stroll.

Presented by the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce, the event is recognized as the Northeast’s largest free holiday festival. The stroll annually draws thousands of visitors, many of who choose to dress in Victorian clothing for the occasion.

Eventgoers enjoyed both wearing and admiring the costumes, seeing the holidaythemed shop windows, being entertained by some of the more than 100 live per-

“I quite enjoy the magical Christmas lights and historical atmosphere.” — Troy native Kristen Frank

formances throughout the day and perusing the many small businesses throughout the city’s growing downtown. For some, coming to the Victorian Stroll is a yearly tradition and a kick- off to the holiday season.

“I quite enjoy the magical Christmas lights and historical atmosphere,” said Troy native Kristen Frank.

“I like that it brings people out,” Glenville resident and returning visitor Andrew Bishop said after eating lunch at Manory’s Restaurant, adding that the stroll is good for the local businesses that see more patrons than normal during the event.

For shops like FunCycled on River Street, the stroll is always the best business day of the year. Along with the extra people out shopping, FunCycled co- owner Sarah Trop said she loves the excitement in the air.

“I love the musicians, and how everybody comes out, from politicians to residents of Troy dressed in their Victorian garb,” she said. “It’s so much fun.”

This year, Trop and her children wore old- fashioned outfits for the festival, as well. After a visit to Colonial Williamsburg ear-

lier this year, the kids were into it, she said.

Around the corner, in Monument Square, former mayor Lou Rosamilia was volunteering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation as the charity made its first

appearance at the stroll.

“It’s a wonderful day in Troy. We’ve got beautiful weather, great people,” Rosamilia said as he collected donations to grant wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses.

Throughout the entire downtown, people were walking the streets and partaking in the event’s abundant offerings.

“There’s a lot of great things going on,” said Jim Baldwin, whose family is from South Troy. “You can just feel the excitement, the energy, hearing music off in the distance and your attention is drawn.”

“And the window displays are beautiful,” added Baldwin’s wife, Christie.

The Baldwins, who live in Brunswick, particularly came to watch their son Vincenzo sing with fellow students on 4th Street, near Proctor’s Theater.

As always, the culmination of the day’s festivities included family, friends and community members gathering for the city’s annual tree-lighting ceremony in Monument Square.

LAUREN HALLIGAN — LHALLIGAN@TROYRECORD.COM Saxo Claus performs at the 35th annual Troy Victorian Stroll on Sunday in downtown Troy. View a photo gallery at www.troyrecord.com.

LAUREN HALLIGAN — LHALLIGAN@TROYRECORD.COM A large group of people in costume sell wreaths and swags, with proceeds to benefit Joseph House and Shelter, at the 35th annual Troy Victorian Stroll on Sunday in downtown Troy.

LAUREN HALLIGAN — LHALLIGAN@TROYRECORD.COM Visitors enjoy a drum performance in Monument Square during the 35th annual Troy Victorian Stroll on Sunday in downtown Troy.

LAUREN HALLIGAN — LHALLIGAN@ TROYRECORD.COM Jim and Christie Baldwin of Brunswick pose in a painting at the 35th annual Troy Victorian Stroll on Sunday in downtown Troy.

LAUREN HALLIGAN — LHALLIGAN@ TROYRECORD.COM Laura Darling of Laura Darling Law dresses in red at the 35th annual Troy Victorian Stroll on Sunday in downtown Troy.

LAUREN HALLIGAN — LHALLIGAN@TROYRECORD.COM Manory’s Restaurant was one of many downtown businesses with elaborate window displays during the 35th annual Troy Victorian Stroll on Sunday in downtown Troy.

LAUREN HALLIGAN — LHALLIGAN@TROYRECORD.COM Many visitors donned Victorian garb at the 35th annual Troy Victorian Stroll on Sunday in downtown Troy.