Disappearing act downtown after Halloween
Published: October 23, 2009
Halloween is approaching, and once again the merchants of Culpeper will dig deep into their pockets, wallets and cash drawers to find funds to purchase treats for the multitude of children who flock downtown to participate in the annual ritual of trick-or-treat.
The Halloween event provides children of this community an opportunity to trick-or-treat in a safe environment, without having to worry about dodging cars (or bullets); without fear of who may be behind the door on which they knock; and without fear that the candy they receive will be tainted in some manner. This peace of mind for the parents comes from the generosity of the downtown merchants.
After living and working in downtown Culpeper for 20 years, I am still amazed when I see the throngs of parents and children filling the sidewalks of the downtown shopping district like at no other time.
Certainly the parents who partake in this ritual, knowing that their children will receive wonderful treats, must be aware that the merchants who open their doors on Halloween to dispense goodies also open their doors to customers on a regular basis.
Even during in this lackluster retail market, the merchants continue to show their love of community. It is a shame that the love is not returned in kind with throngs of shoppers after Halloween.
After five years in retail business downtown, I think the biggest trick on Halloween is the disappearing act that follows.
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With the Halloween nearing, people are preparing to buy some things for the Halloween. Some would even engage in some activity just to feel the Halloween while others are busy buying stuff for Halloween. They don’t have to bring any credit card just their cell phone because now the cell phone companies might be gearing up to give credit cards a run for their money, service wise. But it would be better if we are able to save money and at the same time, we will have fan in Halloween.
Not wanting to walk downtown in small towns is what is destroying them. Good grief, it’s healthy to walk.
A leisurely stroll you say? OK, so I park several blocks from where I plan to shop. I walk to the shop, enjoying the window shopping along the way. Maybe stop at Knakal’s or the little chocolate shop across the street. When I get where I want to shop I have to make note of what time it is so I can allow time to walk back to my car and move it before I get a parking ticket. Have lunch downtown? Do I get up in the middle of eating and go move my car ....... several blocks away? Forget it. I’ll go to the mall where I can walk safely inside, out of the weather, and can stay as long as I want.
And what’s this about waiting in line at Walmart? I bet I haven’t waited longer then ten minutes at any one time since they opened. And so far, I haven’t had to wait as long as five minutes at Martins.
As for the exercise, I get mine at Powell’s.
You can liesurely walk in downtown and window shop, visit retaurants or stop in and talk with the friendly shop employees. Or you can go to Wal-Mart and wait in line or shop at any of the typical big box stores not available downtown. No parking downtown? You are kidding, one main one at the end of East Davis Street, one each behind East Davis Street on Culpeper and Cameron Streets and some on street parking. I have had to walk longer distances at Wal-Mart. For crying out loud, walk and get some exercise, it won’t kill you.
A block or so I could handle. But it’s usually a lot more than that. Also, you have to cross streets that are choked with traffic after waiting forever for the light to change, and if you take more than an hour you will have a parking fine to pay ........ unless you have hiked back to your car and moved it.
Sandalwood, Is there a difference between
a)parking 1 block away from the business you wish to support, and
b)parking closer to 29 business than Walmart to shop at Walmart?
The answer is yes, of course. You can see the front of Walmart from 29 business.
If you miss the allure of Knakal’s because you know there is no parking, you are missing what people in Richmond and Fairfax drive that distance to enjoy.
Hmmm I do shop downtown and used to enjoy the fun and exchanging money for goods. I must admit that I will visit Ace hardware but I lovvvvvve Clark’s hardware, but then again I still hand crank icecream from the maker I boaught at Clarks, I enjoy the restraunts down town and strolling through the town streeets when they are decorated for the holidays or not. The memories I have of my childhood are always rekindled then. Culpeper isn’t any different than any other small town but I love it and always will. I must admit too that I don’t use It’s Reigning Cats and Dogs but I wish them well in these days and times. I loved going to the Corner Shelf prior to it going online only and miss reviewing the latest books in our early days of being in Culpeper (1980s). I do believe loyalty means something for a store and even if the price is higher here I buy here. Keep the support up for downtown please but don’t make me feel guilty for not shopping here as the businesses don’t always meet my needs. Oh I don’t usually take my kids trick or treating down town, but will take advantage of our church St. Stevens Episcopal to celebrate the coming of All Saints day. Our other family.
I don’t shop in downtown Culpeper because there is no parking.
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