Hundreds get into Christmas mood at annual Stroll

COLUMBUS -- Hundreds of people spent an evening downtown Thursday enjoying the food, festivities and fun of the seventh annual Downtown Christmas Stroll.

Something for young and old was made available during the holiday shopping kick-off event presented by the Downtown Business Association (DBA).

Jennifer Pick and her four children were among the hundreds of families who took carriage and wagon rides around downtown. And while Kyle Maciolek and Curtis Dubas, both 6, were roasting marshmallows in Frankfort Square, they eagerly looked forward to taking a ride.

Youths and young families gathered in the center of downtown, but adults tended to migrate toward 28th Avenue where, among other delectables, Dusters offered beer tasting and El Tapatio provided margaritas to participants.

More than 36 businesses and churches in the downtown area opened their doors as part of the stroll, and lines were frequently formed outside those that offered food, such as Imagine That, one of the newest downtown businesses.

Imagine That employee April Iwan greeted people in line with hot apple cider and fudge.

Iwan said the line initially formed before the event started. Her hope is many of the attendees will return for their holiday shopping.

Mickie Senften, coordinator for the DBA, said this is an annual event to showcase what downtown businesses have to offer as well as to provide an opportunity for community members to come together and socialize.

The music on the streets, in shops and wreaths and lighting lining downtown are a way to get people in the holiday spirit, Senften said.

“It’s a kick-off of the Christmas season in Columbus and a showcase of what we have downtown,” she said. “It is also a way for retailers to thank citizens for keeping their dollars in Columbus” and supporting downtown Columbus.

Senften said merchants look forward to this time of year

when they can show new products and services to entice customers to shop downtown.

She said while the event is held downtown it is an event supported by the entire community and is a great way to get people in the holiday mood.

“It’s a great opportunity for the whole community to come together,” Senften said, and “each year it just gets bigger and better.”