Cohoes strolls into holiday season

Second annual Dickens-themed event adds to Small Business Saturday specials

COHOES, N.Y. » Downtown Cohoes is likely to be a busy place Saturday, as shoppers seeking holiday deals on Small Business Saturday will be joined by visitors to the second annual A Dickens Stroll on Remsen Street.

The Olde Mercantile Shop will again host the Victorianstyle event from 10 a.m. to 5 p. m. Guests will be able to participate in many different craft activities, including making and taking an ornament at the Cohoes Visitors Center, as well as to enjoy free hot chocolate and drawings at Ideal Furniture and free hot chocolate provided at the Vineyard Church.

There will also be a craft fair at 113 Remsen St., with music provided throughout the day by disc jockey Phil Sawyer.

As part of Small Business Saturday, the Olde Mercantile Shop will be doing giveaways along with offering a free tote bag with any purchase. Guests who attend the festival will also be able to pick up some holiday goodies at a bake sale, with all proceeds going to help needy families in the city.

“It’s Small Business Saturday, so we figured we would incorporate a stroll in with Small Business Saturday,” said Dolores Bacon, owner of the Olde Mercantile Shop, located at 130 Remsen St. “We will have a craft fair across the street, we have a few small businesses participating, and Santa will be coming in at noon on a fire truck.”

Bacon said the first stroll was greeted by a good turnout, and she hopes attendance will be just as good, if not better, this year. Bacon said she enjoys seeing people showing holiday spirit and enjoying themselves right after the Thanksgiving holiday.

“Everybody is always so happy , getting into the Christmas spirit,” she said. “Our customers look forward to it.”

The fun doesn’t end with the festival. People are invited to move over to Silliman Park for the city’s annual Christmas tree lighting from 5 to 7 p.m. The event will include more music, as well as food and gifts from Santa.