By Joe St. Henry
Review Editor
Believe it or not, holiday shopping can, indeed, be fun.
To see how, Lake Orion residents and others are invited downtown this Saturday, Dec. 10, from 2-6 p.m. for the district’s second annual Holiday Shopping Event.
Not only will there be plenty of opportunities to buy presents for loved ones and friends, but the Downtown Development Authority has packed the afternoon full of festive things to do and see, in hope of relieving a little holiday stress.
The itinerary includes strolling holiday carolers from 2-4 p.m.; free horse-drawn carriage rides from 2-5 p.m., leaving from 51 N. Broadway; reindeer petting from 3:30-5:30 p.m., off Broadway near Children’s Park, and ice sculpting at corner of Flint and Broadway, in front of the Village Hall and near the steps of Sagebrush Cantina starting at 3:30 p.m. There also will be free hot chocolate and candy samples at 51 N. Broadway for all in attendance.
‘Last year’s inaugural shopping event was a big success that really went well, with the merchants pleased with the turnout and shoppers happy to support them,? said the DDA’s Tracy Woodrum. ‘This year’s shopping day is even bigger, with more to see and do while shopping downtown.?
A number of local merchants are offering special sales and promotions during the Dec. 10 event to draw shoppers.
Among them, Lucky’s Health Foods will be offering free samples of its most popular food items this time of year. The store also has a wide selection of sauces, snacks, mixes, dressings and other items ? many of them Michigan made.They are ideal for holiday gift baskets, which owner Tanya Sallade said the store can help assemble.
In addition, Lucky’s has a variety of candles and aroma therapy items that are popular around the holidays. ‘They are a great way to relieve a stress and anxiety this time of year,? Sallade said.
Tesori Gifts also will have in-store specials during the Holiday Shopping Event, plus samples of the gourmet foods that it stocks. Just in are new Troll Beads and ‘Lake Girl? clothing. And, as always, Manager Sallie Keehn says the store offers free gift wrapping.
Customers of Little Monsters toy store will be given complimentary gifts, such as wooden ornaments, special advent wreaths and angel ornament kits during the shopping event, depending on how much they spend.
In addition, folks who purchase $25 in Gund plush toys will be able to choose a free one from a special collection in the store. Free glitter tattoos for kids also will be available. Santa is visiting the toy store on Sunday, Dec. 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
‘Who wants to go to a crazy, jam-packed mall when you can enjoy unique shopping, pet a real reindeer and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride all in one trip downtown?? said Suzanne Perreault, DDA executive director.