Letter to the Editor: Silver Bells Brings Christmas Magic to Downtown Waukesha

Sing along…..”Silver Bells, Silver Bells, It’s Christmas time in the city”

The Waukesha Downtown Business Association uses this famous song title for our season of planned holiday activities in the downtown, to proclaim that it truly is “Christmas time in the city”!

The Christmas tree Lighting, Holiday Stroll and Parade are behind us, but the horse drawn carriage rides and strolling carolers continue each weekend in December!  The carriage was full last Saturday on a continuous basis all throughout the Art Crawl.  It was exciting to see so many people enjoying themselves in our downtown.  This year we have extended the rides through the weekend after Christmas, since so many of you told us that you have that week off to enjoy time with your friends and family.  Another way that people are enjoying themselves is by getting a group of carolers together to stroll and sing.  How about you?  Donated proceeds this year are going to benefit the Waukesha Community Art Project.

Another activity that we’re bringing back this year is the Santa Run/Walk.  It is coming up this Sunday, Dec. 9, at 10:30 a.m., and registrations continue to come in at a pace that appears like we will double last years participants.  If you’re not a runner or walker, don't feel left out….it will be fun to watch possibly 400 Mr. and Mrs. Clauses, their elves, Grinches, ornaments, wrapped packages, Christmas trees and who knows what else, running and walking through the downtown route.  Bring your camera to capture the sight and also have your picture taken with our very own 9-foot-tall Santa! 

Check out http://www.WaukeshaSilverBells.com for all the Silver Bells details including registration for the Santa Run/Walk, as well as instructions for caroling groups and carriage ride ticket information.

I would like to thank the specific members of the Waukesha Downtown Business Association who have met weekly since summer to plan and coordinate all the Silver Bells activities.  They include Norm Bruce-Martha Merrell's Books, Susie Taylor and Dan Taylor-People's Park, Marcia Schneider-Almont Gallery, Kerry Mackay-Steaming Cup, Joan Skimmons-River's End Gallery, Jack Stratmeyer-The Freeman, Shay Johnson-Leather Restoration, Jen Palkowski-Montecito Ristorante Lounge and Roger Igielski-Allô! Chocolat.  Thanks also to their supportive business partners who afford them the freedom to volunteer!

As the weather turns and we coast into the cold winter months, take heart, the Bunny Hop and Waukesha’s Freeman Friday Night Live are just around the corner!!

The Waukesha Downtown Business Association wishes you the Merriest Christmas season and the Happiest New Year for 2013.  Please eat, drink and shop in your downtown….a vibrant downtown is the root of a vibrant community…see you soon! 

Roger Igielski, President
Waukesha Downtown Business Association

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