First Selectman Mike Tetreau is inviting the public to participate in Fairfield’s 3rd Annual Holiday Shop & Stroll event on Thursday, December 10, 2015. The event is being co-sponsored by the Town of Fairfield and the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, and has a new charity partner this year, Fairfield-based Save the Children, which gives children in the U.S. and around the world a healthy start, the opportunity to learn, and protection from harm.
Participating shops in downtown Fairfield and Grasmere/Post Road East will stay open until at least 9:00 pm and will offer an assortment of hors d’oeuvres and seasonal refreshments to shoppers. Traveling carolers and musicians will fill the air with holiday cheer, and local restaurants will be offering dinner or drink specials.
“This is a great opportunity to support our local businesses and to get some of your holiday shopping done while enjoying a fun night out with family or friends,” said First Selectman Tetreau.
Save the Children will also have a tent along the Stroll route, at 1189 Post Road, in The Brick Walk, where strollers will be presented with the opportunity to learn about the global non-profit, while enjoying an interactive virtual reality demonstration, raffles and free food. The tent will also offer a unique holiday-shopping experience, which includes items such as Save the Children ties, holiday cards and wrapping paper, as well as handcrafted items from around the world, an artisan area and much more.
“Living in Fairfield, the Shop & Stroll is a holiday tradition my family and I look forward to” said Carolyn Miles, president and CEO of Save the Children. “This festive night presents the opportunity for shoppers to give twice – they can buy gifts for loved ones, while giving to children in need in the U.S. and around the globe.”
This year’s event will also feature a 90-minute ice-sculpting demonstration beginning at 6:00 pm at Sherman Green by world renowned ice carver Bill Covitz of Ice Matters. Mr. Covitz will be exhibiting his considerable talents and skill carving a single block of ice into a holiday motif. Additional ice sculptures will be on display at several downtown locations, courtesy of Kleban Properties, Henry C. Reid & Son Jewelers and Fischel Properties.
Caroling will be provided by students from the Fairfield Warde and Fairfield Ludlowe High School choirs. The Fairfield Ludlowe Brass ensemble will also be appearing as well as students from Fairfield University.
The Southport Merchants Association will also be sponsoring its Annual Christmas Walk on December 11th, with festivities set to begin with Santa’s arrival in Southport Village via fire truck at 5:00 pm. Children will have an opportunity to visit with Santa at the offices of the Russell Agency, followed by the lighting of the Hospice Tree of Light.
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Beverly Balaz added, “The Chamber of Commerce is happy to be partnering with the Town on this festive event as it will give our businesses another opportunity to open their doors to the community, meet new customers from surrounding towns and together, help celebrate the holiday season with a wonderful shopping experience!”
The Town and Chamber gratefully acknowledge the following businesses for helping to sponsor this year’s event: Kleban Properties, Fischel Properties and Henry C. Reid & Son Jewelers. Media sponsors include the Hearst Media Group, Fairfield Citizen-News and BizzBuzzTV.
The public is invited to visit the event website at www.fairfieldct.org/shopnstroll for further information on participating retailers, restaurants, activities and special offers.