NORTH TONAWANDA — City officials and business owners are gearing up for a holiday celebration a quarter of a century in the making.
On Saturday, downtown North Tonawanda will host its 25th Winter Walk, an event that will feature strolling Christmas carolers, a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus, a tree lighting ceremony and fun activities for children, families, adults and holiday shoppers.
“We’re really bringing our community together for the holiday season, the festivities as we celebrate the period leading up to Christmas and we’re inviting Western New York to join us,” Mayor Austin Tylec said during a press conference on Thursday at Frankie Primo’s +39 Restaurant on Webster Street.
The Webster Street Merchants Association helped organize this year’s event as it did for the first Winter Walk in 2000. What began as a simple holiday gathering has grown over the years, largely through private sponsorships and support from community volunteers.
This year’s “magical” 25th anniversary celebration will be held downtown and involve Webster and Tremont streets, parts of Oliver Street and Gateway Harbor. The event starts at 2 p.m. and will wrap up with a tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. at Gateway Harbor.
Attendees will be treated to strolling carolers courtesy of Matt’s Music, free S’mores stations and antique fire truck rides courtesy of Sweeney Hose.
In addition, the North Tonawanda Christmas Trailer will be on hand, collecting non-perishable food items to support local families in need.
Kid- and family-friendly activities will include make-and-take ornaments, cookie decorating, holiday crafts and a chance to visit Santa’s workshop at the North Tonawanda Senior Center, 110 Goundry St. The local organization Women Against Nighttime Terror is sponsoring four S’Mores stations and members will be on-site to assist children with making S’Mores during the event.
Adults and holiday shoppers will be able to take advantage of in-store specials and merchant promotions, holiday tastings and seasonal treats. Coffee, sweets, and holiday beverages will be available for purchase and representatives from the city’s Merchants Association encouraged visitors to shop in local stores or dine in local restaurants as part of the experience.
Winter Walk co-chair and North Tonawanda Merchants Association President Rachel DeDomenico, city officials and local business owners have really “stepped up” this year to make the 25th anniversary event more special than it has been in recent years. She noted that more than 20 area organizations and businesses will be participating this weekend.
“The Winter Walk is a reflection of who we are as a community — supportive, welcoming and full of holiday spirit,” she said. “This 25-year milestone represents countless memories, traditions and the dedication of our merchants, partners and families who continue to keep this event dear to their hearts.”