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As Alix Voyajopoulos wandered around the Heart of the Square, admiring Diana Gaikazova’s handiwork, she mused over the number of people inside the shop and in Dedham Square in general.
“ I’ve never seen this many people in downtown Dedham and I’ve lived here for 13 years,” 18-year-old Voyajopoulos said last Friday.
Hundreds of people packed the Square last Friday night for the annual holiday stroll. Businesses stayed open late with deals for shoppers, Santa showed up at Café Video Paradiso for a bit of caroling, and “Frostbite” the snowman passed out holiday souvenirs.
This was the fifth year the nonprofit Dedham Square Circle has organized the event.
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MORE HOLIDAY FUN PHOTOS: Dance with the Dedham Stars VIDEO: Dancing with the Dedham Stars 2009 |
“It’s getting bigger and bigger,” said Peter Reynolds, president of the Dedham Square Circle and owner of The Blue Bunny on High Street. “More merchants are involved, and more people are involved.”
Last Friday 25 merchants participated in the event, he said.
One of them was Jennifer Gibbs, an owner of Maribu on High Street. Her offerings included matching sets of gloves and mittens, zip-out tote bags, and jewelry. Gibbs was selling many of her items for less than $20.
“It’s always the best day of the year,” Gibbs said of the holiday stroll’s effect on her business.
Shoppers said the event was the perfect opportunity for them to buy presents. Dedham resident Anne Francis picked up a dinosaur game for her 5-year-old nephew at The Blue Bunny. Her daughter, 10-year-old Emma, and daughter’s friend, 9-year-old Alyssa Wisniewski picked up stuffed polar bears for themselves.
“They were really cute,” Emma said, noting polar bears are an endangered species.
A number of Dedham Square’s restaurants also benefited from the stroll.
“We start out at Mocha Java and get our chocolate and whipped cream,” Dedham resident Maureen Duffy said or herself, her 9-year-old daughter, Ally, her daughter’s friend, 10-year-old Erica DeBartolo, and her niece, 14-year-old Delia O’Brien.
The group, which was enjoying Christmas carols in Café Video Paradiso, planned get to pizza later from Dedham House of Pizza.
Dedham residents Tricia Cariofiles and her 11-year-old son, Michael, were already munching on slices from the Dedham House of Pizza. As they ate at a table outside of Café Video Paradiso, they enjoyed the warmish weather.
As Alix Voyajopoulos wandered around the Heart of the Square, admiring Diana Gaikazova’s handiwork, she mused over the number of people inside the shop and in Dedham Square in general.
“ I’ve never seen this many people in downtown Dedham and I’ve lived here for 13 years,” 18-year-old Voyajopoulos said last Friday.
Hundreds of people packed the Square last Friday night for the annual holiday stroll. Businesses stayed open late with deals for shoppers, Santa showed up at Café Video Paradiso for a bit of caroling, and “Frostbite” the snowman passed out holiday souvenirs.
This was the fifth year the nonprofit Dedham Square Circle has organized the event.
|
MORE HOLIDAY FUN PHOTOS: Dance with the Dedham Stars VIDEO: Dancing with the Dedham Stars 2009 |
“It’s getting bigger and bigger,” said Peter Reynolds, president of the Dedham Square Circle and owner of The Blue Bunny on High Street. “More merchants are involved, and more people are involved.”
Last Friday 25 merchants participated in the event, he said.
One of them was Jennifer Gibbs, an owner of Maribu on High Street. Her offerings included matching sets of gloves and mittens, zip-out tote bags, and jewelry. Gibbs was selling many of her items for less than $20.
“It’s always the best day of the year,” Gibbs said of the holiday stroll’s effect on her business.
Shoppers said the event was the perfect opportunity for them to buy presents. Dedham resident Anne Francis picked up a dinosaur game for her 5-year-old nephew at The Blue Bunny. Her daughter, 10-year-old Emma, and daughter’s friend, 9-year-old Alyssa Wisniewski picked up stuffed polar bears for themselves.
“They were really cute,” Emma said, noting polar bears are an endangered species.
A number of Dedham Square’s restaurants also benefited from the stroll.
“We start out at Mocha Java and get our chocolate and whipped cream,” Dedham resident Maureen Duffy said or herself, her 9-year-old daughter, Ally, her daughter’s friend, 10-year-old Erica DeBartolo, and her niece, 14-year-old Delia O’Brien.
The group, which was enjoying Christmas carols in Café Video Paradiso, planned get to pizza later from Dedham House of Pizza.
Dedham residents Tricia Cariofiles and her 11-year-old son, Michael, were already munching on slices from the Dedham House of Pizza. As they ate at a table outside of Café Video Paradiso, they enjoyed the warmish weather.
“It’s a nice night,” Tricia Cariofiles said. “It’s not too cold yet.”
They watched Santa through the coffee shop’s window. About 150 children, parents and community residents were gathered before him and a keyboardist, singing.
Carols included “Joy to the World.” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” In between songs, Jonathan Meath – better known as Santa JG, who performs with the Boston Pops, chatted with children and asked them questions.
“You know I was hoping there would be snow tonight,” he said at one point.
He asked the children if they agreed, and many raised their hands. He asked parents if they agreed, and few raised their hands.
“Why did all the parents raise their hands?” Santa laughed.
Other highlights included photos shoots at Discover Music & Art, free gift-wrapping at the Dedham Community Theatre, and a visit by an Animal Rescue League of Boston van full of animals.
