Stroll in style

Planners hope warmer winter weather lets shoppers show off their vintage ’60s cocktail dresses and seersucker suits at Clarkston’s third annual Strolling Retro Cocktail Party this weekend.
“Hopefully there’ll be more people dressing up,” said Peg Roth, organizer and Clarkston Mills owner. “It’s an opportunity to come down and enjoy visiting downtown retailers and maybe find out what you don’t know about downtown Clarkston.”
Businesses along downtown Main Street will offer hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and shopping in a ’60s theme, 5-8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 19.
The annual event is organized by downtown retailers and benefits local charities. This year, all donations will be split between Blessings in Packpacks and Clarkston Rotary for their Downtown Holiday Lighting Project.
“Blessings is a fairly new, local organization working for the good of the community,” Roth said. “Rotary is in the third year of its Christmas decoration project.”
Union General will serve House-made Hot Links with House-smoked Cheddar, Cherry Swedish Meatballs, Smoked Shrimp Cocktails, Red Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese on Crackers, and Bees Knees Punch, said owner Ann Stevenson.
Clarkston Travel will serve Tom Collins cocktails, said Tammy Darr, owner.
Village Fashion Boutique will offer a variety of beverages, and cheese sticks, sausage wrapped in bacon, and other hors d’oeurves, said owner Christina Calka.
“We’ll have something for everyone,” Calka said.
Check out Advanced Energy Therapy in Clarkston Mills for some nutritional items, and Rudy’s Market to sample some wine and vintage beers.
Participating businesses also include Artichoke Interiors, The Birdfeeder, Essence on Main, Frank and Me, Kinetic Systems, KH Home, Real Estate One, Lisa’s Confection Connection, Morgan and Milzow, Parsonage, and Silver Kiss. Rides home will be offered by 24-7 Limo, 248-620-0247.