Our 64 vendors stretched from the First Presbyterian Church of Blairstown, NJ to the Outreach Center and utilized their free space to market and sell their products and services. One dozen associations and businesses came together to provide the crowd with free chili, apple cider, hot chocolate, cookies, donuts, and treats. Blue Ridge Lumber Company donated tables and chairs so people were able to sit down and enjoy the food provided by Damn Good Chicken. Local restaurants provided specials, spiked mulled cider and gift certificates. Children were delighted by a spectacular Winter Wonderland courtesy of Remax Ridge, free arts and crafts thanks to YMCA Camp Mason and alpacas that wore hand knitted antlers thanks to Bear's Den Alpacas.
Shop keepers, vendors and attendees were entertained by Christmas Carolers and the rocking band of the First UMC of Blairstown. Roy's Hall even delighted us with a sneak preview of their Christmas Carol production. The Blairstown Township Committee provided decorations, restroom facilities and extra police presence. The officers were amazingly kind! This magical day, which was blessed with sunshine and 55-degree weather, came to an end with the glorious sound of the Blair Academy Choir. They were followed by Santa who introduced Mayor Herman P. Shoemaker, who after a short speech turned the lights on the official Main Street Christmas Tree, which was kindly donated by Kingfisher Farm and decorated by volunteers.
Regardless of your participation – organizer, supporter, contributor, volunteer, community leader, police officer, advertiser, vendor, shop keeper, food provider, musician, Christmas caroler, or attendee – we came together and made history on Saturday, December 5, 2015. In the years to come people will talk about the fun they had on this day – the day when the town’s people came together in celebration and holiday cheer to restore a little hope and laughter on Main Street.
Thank you – from the bottom of my heart – for being part of this magical event! I This would not have happened without you. Merry Christmas!
Jeanette Iurato, GBBA 1st Vice President
Jeanette Iurato
1st Vice President, Membership Chair