Downtown Cape businesses to hold Christmas open house this week

Shortly after last year's Downtown Christmas Open House, people were already asking Sherry Yaeger about the next event, which merchants say brings a bit of Christmas magic to the downtown shopping district.

"People were already talking about it for next year and it had just ended," said Yaeger, who owns Renaissance, the gift and home accessory shop with her husband, Mike. "That evening is really special. If there's ever a time for everybody to come downtown, it's that evening."

The fourth annual Downtown Christmas Open House will be held Friday night and Saturday. Twenty-five downtown businesses are participating in the event, which is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and during regular business hours Saturday.

The event is expected to draw thousands to the downtown.

Yaeger said she estimated more than 1,500 people came through her store the first night.

"People were literally packed like sardines," she said. "Waves of people came through all night long. For a little store like us, that was great."

There will be pictures with Santa, crafts and face painting at the old Hecht's building at 107 Main St., according to Old Town Cape executive director Tim Arbeiter. There will be Christmas carolers and buggy rides, other activities, snacks and hot chocolate. Arbeiter said this is all free.

"It's a two-day promotional event," Arbeiter said. "But it's also a lot of fun."

The participating businesses -- many of which normally close around 5 p.m. -- will be staying open late, Arbeiter said.

There will also be a $2,000 shopping spree up for grabs. Participants must have a special card that is available at any of the participating merchants stamped by 13 of the 25 merchants and deposit it in any entry box, which are also in the stores.

The drawing will be Monday afternoon, Arbeiter said, probably at about 3 p.m. near the clock on Main Street.

Arbeiter said the event will cost about $4,500 -- most of which is collected through a $200 fee collected from participating merchants and sponsorships from Big River Telephone and the Southeast Missourian.

Business owners said the event does provide a slight bump in sales. But that's not the reason they do it.

"More than anything, it's a good thing for people to get out and see the types of businesses downtown and have people exposed to them," said Kent Zickfield, owner of Zickfield Jewelers. "And as much as anything, it's just a really fun evening."

Crissy Batchelor, who owns Kids Wear Again, said it reminds people that downtown is still a thriving shopping district.

"That is why we like to participate," she said. "Even though a person who shows up might not be a customer, they may remember us and tell a friend or a neighbor about us."

smoyers@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 137