Kimmswick wrapped up its slate of holiday events recently with its final Elf on a Shelf activities.
Debbie Troutman, president of the Kimmswick Merchants Association, said 200 tickets were sold for the Elf on a Shelf event, held Dec. 10-11 and Dec. 17-18.
Participants paid $10 to receive an elf guide to the 27 participating restaurants, shops and other businesses. They also received a storybook and gift bag.
“The looks on the kids’ faces when they find the elf and the excitement they have when they get something from each merchant is what makes it all worth it,” said Troutman, who owns Meant to Be at 116 Mill St. “The people I talked to, a lot of them it was their first time. We are reaching out to newer people. Everyone was really excited, happy and having a good time.”
The Merchants Association also collected unwrapped toys, and those who donated a toy received $5 worth of elf dollars, which could be redeemed at participating businesses, Troutman said.
She said 75 toys were collected, and they were donated to Jefferson County Toys and More, which distributes gifts throughout the county to families in need.
The final Elf on a Shelf weekend capped more than a month’s worth of events in Kimmswick celebrating the holiday season, starting with the Deer Widows Weekend from Nov. 11-13, followed by the annual Christmas Open House and Parade on Nov. 19.
Kimmswick’s businesses offered special deals on Nov. 26 for Shop Small Saturday.
The Old Fashioned Christmas Festival and Kimmswick Cookie Walk was held from Dec. 1-4. All 1,000 tickets available for the cookie walk were sold, and the festival was well attended on Dec. 2-4, said Betteanne Smith, a Kimmswick Merchants Association member.
“It is a very busy time for the merchants, and we appreciate everybody who comes out and sees us through all of our events,” Troutman said.
“We were very well supported by the Jefferson County residents,” said Smith, who owns Mississippi Mud Gallery and Gifts at 118 Market St. “Our open house was wonderful. We had a really good parade with new participants. Small Business Saturday was phenomenal.
“Small Business Saturday is so heartwarming because people truly show up to support local businesses. Our Christmas festival and cookie walk was a fun weekend, and we ended with Elf on a Shelf.
“There were a lot of activities for families. Every merchant I have talked with has had a very good season. We are really thankful that everybody supported Kimmswick this holiday season. I hope everyone has a great Christmas.”