West Hartford Holiday Stroll Success Stories
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Tom Hickey, Barbara Karsky and Shevon Hickey on the Showmobile at the West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2017. Photo courtesy of Tom Hickey
- For a Friday Night, in honor of the Stroll’s 30th Anniversary, two to three times more people joined the festivities than in the past. Many first timers took advantage of the nice weather and ventured out on a Friday Night.
- Entertainers and karaoke performers thrilled the crowds with traditional, Christian and Jewish holiday favorites and what a treat it was! We’ll share a few on Facebook.
- Ramon from Exclusive Furs featured four beautiful and unique coats with design influence from all over the world. One of them (the furthest to the right and worn by Heather is reversible so if it starts to rain you just turn the coat inside out). Thanks to Carol, Shevon, and Sharon for modeling.
Carol Lemieux, Shevon Hickey, Sharon Bruce and Heather Modenese modeled for the Exclusive Furs Fashion Show by Ramon, Hair and Make-up by Blue Mercury, on the Showmobile at the West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2017. Photo credit: Tom Hickey
- Lauren and her team from Bluemercury worked with the models on their makeup and hair. Bluemercury had so much fun they asked us to announce a special holiday gift offer to all of We-Ha, check out their store for details today.
- This year, the Showmobile was decorated by Mark’s Christmas Trees from New Britain Avenue. Next year, you can plan on buying one of the trees displayed on stage for a special price. The decorations were beautiful.
- Santa’s “elf” and driver Charlie Bruce, outfitted his brand new, bright red convertible in Christmas lights and a reindeer kit to deliver Santa to Blue Back Square in style. Isham Road was closed and so crowded that a special coned “driveway” had to be marked off so Santa could arrive.
Santa arrives to Blue Black Square in style. Photo credit: Joy Taylor
- NBC Connecticut News broadcast live from Blue Back featuring Marketing Director Elizabeth Zigmont inviting all to join us.
- At the Showmobile, Santa arrived by West Hartford’s own fire truck and was dropped off for the night at Toy Chest.
- After Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves were done with The Stroll they dined at Grants.
- WFSB’s Melissa Cole broadcast live twice from the Showmobile, and enjoyed a huge crowd of excited followers just waiting to be interviewed.
- Farmington Avenue would have reminded you of 5th Avenue in NYC during the Holidays. There was just a steady stream of people and it was very exciting to see.
- So many “first timers” enjoyed The Stroll, remarking that they have lived in West Hartford a lifetime and never attended but made plans this year because it wasn’t a school or work night.
- One couple met friends at Noble and then called more friends because they were having such a great time and they all ended up eating at Savoy.
- A wife, whose husband was celebrating his birthday Saturday, had so much fun at Blue Back, she made dinner reservations at Artisan in Delamar to come back for the special occasion.
- A newly-engaged young couple had drinks and appetizers at Barcelona and Bartaco while waiting for the Holiday Karaoke to start.
- People attended The Holiday Stroll only to be able to participate and sing on the Holiday Karaoke.
These two women were the first to sign up to sing, and they were great, but they snuck of the stage before we could get their names. If you recognize them, please let us know, and we’d love to have you help run the Holiday Karaoke next year. West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2017. Photo credit: Tom Hickey
- Special thanks to Vince of Oh Snap Productions and The Berry Family who organized the Holiday Karaoke and for coming up with the group sing idea when we finally had to shut down the karaoke at 8:45 p.m.
- One family had a hard time finding a place to eat because the restaurant they wanted to go to had a two-hour wait but they found an alternative spot. As many know, there is no shortage of eateries in West Hartford.
- Additional thanks to LaSalle Road Partners for helping sponsor the Showmobile, T&T Audio Visual, Oh Snap Productions and all the signage was great but it costs money. Please let me, Barbara Karsky, Elizabeth Zigmont or Barbara Lerner know if you would like to contribute next year.
- By the time I made it over to Delamar all the s’mores were gone but the outdoor fireplace was beautiful!
More than four thousand dollars was raised for charities at the fourth annual West Hartford Festival of Trees at First Church. Photo credit: Joy Taylor
West Hartford Holiday Stroll, December 1, 2017. Photo credit: Tom Hickey
Karaoke on the Showmobile at the West Hartford Holiday Stroll, Dec. 1, 2017. Photo credit: Tom Hickey
Best Holiday Stroll in as long as I can remember. Such a joyful vibe on the street this year as families didn’t have to rush home to do homework and get to bed for school or work the next day. Even dining late into the evening after all the activities were over there was still a lingering festive feeling. Thank you to all that participated and all who attended. Most of all, The West Hartford Center Business Association thanks you for supporting Small Business and investing in your community where you can “Shop, Dine, and Stroll” local. Happiest of Holidays!
[…] Also ICYMI – Click here for images of the Holiday Stroll, and click here for Tom Hickey’s reflections on the Stroll. […]