The community of Eckville had a chance to finish all their Christmas shopping early.
On Saturday November 5, Christmas One Stop Shop was held at the Eckville Community Centre where local vendors could showcase a variety of products and services to a crowd that was eager to support local businesses.
Organizer Dana Dickson was pleased with the response of the visitors.
“It was really good,” she said. “It was great to have everyone out when the weather was decent. The vendors were really happy to see people out and shopping. They were excited to get their name out.”
She added that many of the home-business were happy to move some of their Christmas stock so early in the year. Many of the visitors were surprised with how much shopping they were able to get done without having to leave the Town.
“Customers were thrilled to get their Christmas shopping started and some of them even said they were finished,” Dickson said. “That is always a pleasant thing with over a month left to Christmas.”
The day also included a performance by the Coyote Fit Tumbling and Cheer team, which delighted the crowd with an athletic performance on stage.
“One thing that was new was having Coyote Fit there for the tumbling act,” Dickson said. “That was really cute and the girls did a good job. It’s good they can practice and get some exposure.”
Dickson feels that this event is just another example of the success of Eckville as a community.
“It was great to see such great local support for the vendors. It’s a reminder of how great a community Eckville is,” she said.
Despite a struggling economy, sales at the One Stop Shop remained positive, according to Dickson.
“I was pleasantly surprised,” she said. “I think some people were trying to shop a little wiser and decided to do that by shopping with local vendors. That was fabulous.”
Dickson was overwhelmed with the support from the community and looks forward to this tradition continuing next year.
“We appreciated people coming out and supporting the event,” she said. “It’s an annual event now that seems to be supported by everyone. We are excited for next year.”
She added that they were thankful for the “huge amount of toys and supplies brought in for Santa’s Anonymous.”
“That was great for people to think of others during this time of year,” she said.
reporter@eckvilleecho.com