New Canaan has yet to see a snowflake hit the ground this season, but Tucker Murphy wants people to start feeling that holiday spirit.
Murphy and the Chamber of Commerce enjoyed a little holiday cheer in October at the Holiday Stroll Kickoff Party on Wednesday. The event marks the start of the chamber's work for the stroll, which will be held Dec. 3 and 4. Downtown stores will remain open for extra hours on those days to start the big holiday shopping season in town.
Guests at the party, held at the Bank of New Canaan on Elm Street, were encouraged to pledge their support in promoting the event, including sponsoring street lamps. Murphy, the chamber's director, is also seeking volunteers to take part in stroll activities.
"We need help from the businesses," Murphy said. "It's a big shopping period."
Visitors took time to say they would help, while others talked to Bob Green of B?rbel Jewelry on Elm Street, who also serves on the Chamber's Holiday Stroll Committee. He sees the stroll as a good way of promoting business.
"We want to let people know to come to New Canaan. There's lots of things to offer," Green said.
Nes Jaffre, owner of the Roger Sherman Inn on Oenoke Ridge, said the stroll's events help show the human side of local business people. "This is doing something for the town we live in," she said.
Dale Carbonier of Rand Insurance is looking forward to the stroll, which started as a simple tree-lighting ceremony. "I think it puts a big focus on New Canaan, and it helps the retailers tremendously," he said.
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