Businesses prepare for annual Downtown Holiday Stroll
By Angela Greiner Contributing Writer

PHOTO/ANGELA GREINER Organizer Nancy Fredrickson decorates her office in preparation for the Downtown Holiday Stroll.

Hudson - Get ready to bundle up for the fifth annual Downtown Holiday Stroll in Hudson's historic downtown district. Residents are invited to join the downtown businesses and community organizations Friday Dec. 7, from 4 to 10 p.m., to kick off the holiday season.

The event, hosted by the nonprofit organization Downtown Merchants of Hudson Association, will feature Santa, food, music, horse-drawn hayrides and fun for all ages.

The Downtown Holiday Stroll is an opportunity for residents to celebrate the community spirit of the town and to support local businesses. Nancy Fredrickson, financial adviser at the local Edward Jones office, is the chair of this year's event.

"The community prides itself on having a very vibrant downtown," Fredrickson said. "This little town has a lot of spirit and this event personifies that."

Many local stores, businesses and restaurants will have extended hours and offer an array of holiday activities, programs and promotions planned for this year's festival. The event will also feature booths from several of the community organizations and churches, which will provide hot chocolate and other holiday treats.

"The Holiday Stroll is an opportunity for the businesses and local residents to kick off the holiday season locally," Fredrickson explained. "There are quite a few very creative little businesses, restaurants and shops in the downtown area and this provides a venue to get people into the downtown area and visit some of these quaint businesses."

For an example, Fredrickson said, there are several cozy little shops such as Serendipity located on Main Street, which offers a wide range of merchandise including jewelry, clothing and handmade items. She also explained that the downtown has a large array of dining options from $1.99 hot dogs at the Horse Shoe Pub to gourmet coffee drinks, food and live music at the Harvest Café. Also, Chloe's will feature a jazz band and ice sculptures, along with its extensive menu items.

The Holiday Stroll will feature free activities including holiday carolers, London taxi rides, refreshments, moon bounce and more.

"This is a family event," Frederickson said. "This is a very slow-paced and pleasant evening that will also feature the annual tree lighting ceremony."

Santa, who will arrive in a horse-drawn sleigh, will light the three trees at the downtown rotary at 6 p.m. whiles carolers entertain the audience with holiday favorites.

After the tree lighting, children and parents can visit with Santa at the Town Hall auditorium and businesses and shops will host activities, including horse-drawn hayrides from 6 to 8 p.m. at Robinson's Ace Hardware.

This festival is one of several annual events sponsored by the Downtown Merchants of Hudson Association.

"The stroll is the start of the holiday season in Hudson," Fredrickson said. "We also hope that it reminds people about the unique and diversified shopping opportunities conveniently accessible right here in town."

For more information or to get a schedule of events, visit the Web site at www.hudsonstroll. com.