Dublin Country Christmas Stroll and Parade a Huge Success
What can I say, but Ho! Ho! Ho!
Dublin put on an awesome hometown Christmas show last Thursday, Decv. 9, with a phenomenal lighted parade the well-attended Dublin Country Christmas Stroll. Thankfully, the local police department captured the Grinch prior to the festivities, so children were safe to have a memorable Christmas adventure.
More than 20 vendors successfully sold their wares to hundreds of downtown visitors, and local stores saw increased sales as a result of the foot traffic. The lighted parade was amazingly fun and beautiful. Most importantly, hundreds of children were able to meet Santa and have their photos taken. The wonton tacos, mangonados and balloon waffles kept people snacking throughout the night, and games from Dairy Queen and others kept kids excited.
Please Join Me in Thanking
This year’s beautiful event could not have occurred without the hard work of the Corner Lot Gang who consistently put up the original downtown light display and the new addition of Teresa, Rafael and the folks from Country Flower Plant Farm, located on Hwy 67/377. The added downtown lights and the downtown live Christmas tree sales lot were all courtesy of this new Chamber member, and Rafael Martinez explained they wanted to give back to the community they consider their hometown.
Let’s also thank the first responders for participating, especially the police officers who worked diligently to ensure attendees were able to safely cross the busy streets in downtown. We appreciate the vendors who took a chance on a new event; Adan Velasco with Velasco Car Audio who provided the audio system for the downtown parade announcements, and for (always) Coach Bob Cervetto who introduced our parade participants. We could not have made this parade possible without the volunteer time of Rhonda Williams, former City Secretary, and many others.
It’s not always a pretty mention, but we also appreciate Howdy Enterprise for providing our “convenience stations,” located at Wright Park and the Corner Lot. And on a note completely unrelated to Santa Claus, thank you to Don and Terry Carsten for their donation of time and energy.
Several members of the Chamber Board of Directors starred in their efforts for this event, including Hazel Anderson of My Creative Confections, Orion Gallagher with Things Celtic, Paul Gaudette of the Dublin Citizen, Blanca Martineau with CCMC, the Dublin EDC’s Brad Stanford, City Hall’s Juanita Torres and Danielle Meador of Wicked Clover.
Finally, thank YOU for attending and providing the holiday cheer that made this event such a remarkable occurrence. As folks are buzzing about on Facebook, “Dublin does Christmas right!”
I Issued A Challenge
At this year’s Dublin Country Christmas Stroll, I issued a challenge to attendees. I challenge each and every one of you with the same. Please pledge to buy at least one of the items on your Christmas list or Christmas menu this year from a local merchant. These local businesses continually support Dublin. Let’s return that loyalty with some of our own. Buy Dublin. Buy Local.
Join the Chamber
Would you like to become a member of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce? You’ll get free advertising, referrals, public relations, and digital marketing services. What a great time to become a Chamber member!
How Can We Make You More Profitable?
The Chamber’s role is to improve business for Dublin. How can we help local businesses reach their goals? I’m at 110 S. Patrick and 254/300-6263 and look forward to hearing your insight. The Chamber Welcome Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.