COLUMBUS -- The sixth annual Downtown Christmas Stroll, “One Special Evening,” was enjoyed by thousands of area residents Thursday night.
More than 2,000 individuals have regularly attended the annual holiday kick-off event in the past several years. Of those hundreds, many come from outside the immediate area to enjoy the shopping, food and festive atmosphere.
“It’s girls night out for us,” said Dianna Pehrson of Columbus. “My friend, Myrt, and I have come every year for the past three years. We start right away at 4 o’clock with the bake sale, cookie sale and then the soup supper.”
Pehrson’s friend, Myrt Novotny, drives in for the event from Stanton. Novotny said she looks forward to spending time with her life-long friend and enjoys the food, shopping and “craziness” of the Downtown Christmas Stroll.
The stroll was started by the Downtown Business Association and funded by the Columbus/Platte County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Throughout the downtown area local businesses provided holiday treats, prize raffles and special sales promotions to draw their customers in and introduce their merchandise and services to potential new customers. This year businesses from Hair Forum on the west end of Thirteenth Street to Mail Prep on the east end participated.
“The Christmas Stroll has been fabulous every year we’ve done it,” said Sue Burton, manager at Schweser’s. “I think it’s a wonderful, good old-fashioned event for Columbus. This is how downtown is supposed to be.”
Santa and Mrs. Claus made a visit to the Columbus Bank and Trust Co. along with one of the elves to visit with the children and listen to this year’s Christmas requests.
Walker Prather, 10, son of Shane and Janelle Prather, of Columbus, made his request for either a new video camera or a set of Legos. This was the Prather’s second year at the stroll.
“We just moved here two years ago, and this is nice,” Janelle Prather said. “It’s cold, but there are lots of places to come inside and warm up. We’ve really enjoyed it.”
In addition to the raffles, drawings and treats provided by the business owners, young and old alike enjoyed toasting marshmallows in Frankfort Square courtesy of Noon Lions Club.
Candy canes were handed out by Santa and Mrs. Claus at Frankfort Square courtesy of Optimist Club and holiday music was performed by D.A.R.E. Officer Gilbert Maschmeier, the Methodist Church, St. Luke’s Church Carillons , members of the Consonaires, St. Bonaventure Scotus Men’s Choir and the Trinity Praise Quartet.
Horse and carriage rides also were a highlight this year operating from boarding stations at Frankfort Square.
Off the beaten path just a block away, the annual Festival of Trees began at the Columbus Art Gallery located in the Columbus Public Library.
Print This Story
Email This Story
