Beautiful weather, if not a bit cold, welcomed Santa Claus, as
well as hundreds of shoppers to downtown Healdsburg Friday night
for the 4th annual Downtown Holiday Party.
Live music, wine and appetizers greeted residents and visitors
as downtown shops stayed open late for what is typically one of the
busiest shopping days of the year, Black Friday.
Organized by the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce, the Holiday
Party included Dickens carolers, the children’s choir, the
Healdsburg Brass Quintet, the talented local jazz group, In Black,
carriage rides and of course, visits with Santa Claus.
Five-year-old Matthew Harrington sat on Santa’s lap and gave him
his Christmas list, which included a baby brother, $1 million, a
toy register and a puppy that can do tricks.
While some retailers agreed sales and shoppers were a little
down from last year, it was a good night to start the season.
Holiday cheer was high and stores were full of people checking out
the merchandise.
The holiday festivities continued Sunday at the 23rd annual
Downtown tree lighting and candle lighting benefiting the Sutter
VNA & Hospice program. The children’s choir performed as well
as the Good Lutheran Shepherd Church choir. Vice Mayor Lisa
Schaffner hosted the program and helped start the candle lighting
ceremony.
Candles could be purchased as a symbol of a loved one who had
either passed or couldn’t attend the event.
This Saturday, Santa’s “Red Ribbon Foot Parade” will be held
around the plaza from 9 to 11 a.m. There will be hot chocolate,
arts and crafts, music for kids and a sing-a-long.
For a complete list of holiday festivities, go to www.healdsburg.com or call the
Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce at 433-6935.
