Winter Wander-land returns to downtown Stratford this holiday season and Jamie Pritchard, general manager of the Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area (BIA), promises a bigger event than last year.
“Last year we had about 65 stores participating in it,” Pritchard said. “And this year we have a whopping 95 participants – so we’re excited about that.”
This is only the second year for the event which runs from Monday to Dec. 22. Over the course of the season, shopping at participating stores and restaurants downtown will get shoppers a validation sticker.
Collecting eight in a Winter Wander-land guide will enter them into a draw for one of three Downtown Dollar prizes: one worth $300, $200, and $100, for a total of $600 up to be won.
The guides, similar to a passport, will be available shortly, Pritchard said. Starting this Monday they will be available at the Destination Stratford office on Downie Street, Rheo Thompson Candies on Albert Street, and the Starlight Bar on Wellington Street.
That Friday, Winter Wander-land guides will be available at all participating businesses, which will have a display in their windows signifying them as such.
The ongoing shopping incentive is only one part of Winter Wander-land. On the weekends of Nov. 25, 26 and Dec. 2, 3, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be a carousel and firepits at Market Square.
John Walker, a blacksmith from Fallen Willow Forge, will be there that first weekend adding to the ambience. The next weekend he will be gone but “the big man himself” will take his place. Santa Claus will be at Market Square from Noon to 3:30 p.m.
The BIA is hoping to expand the December event out of just Market Square. There will also be carollers wandering downtown, singing holiday songs to extend Christmas cheer.
“Come on down,” Pritchard urged. “Bring your own cameras, your phones, take pictures with your kids, there's no charge, it's free.”
