Saxonburg shops continue winter tradition
Main Street closing to traffic in Saxonburg is actually a boon to businesses, because it typically means the street is hosting an event that involves people walking from business to business.
This will be the case Saturday, Feb. 22, when the Little Shops of Saxonburg, a collaborative group of business owners, will put on the fourth annual Saxonburg Winter Festival.
The free event takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and businesses will be open and vendors will line the streets.
Sherry Rankin, founder of Little Shops of Saxonburg, said the businesses organize the event to give people a reason to go out in the winter cold by providing a community activity for them to engage in.
“It’s a really fun day for individuals and families alike,” Rankin said. “Main Street is closed, and we have over 40 crafters, food vendors, drink vendors lined up.”
According to Rankin, food trucks also will be parked on Main Street, and there will be live music throughout the day. Some Main Street locales will have their own attractions inside, like Saxonburg Memorial Church, which is doing a soup sale; Anna and Elsa from Disney’s “Frozen” will make an appearance at noon at Saxonburg Tearoom; and the South Butler Community Library will have children’s activities.
Rankin said events help bring people to Main Street, which helps the businesses there flourish.
“Events are a huge part of our success for the businesses,” Rankin said. “We really rely on them. We hold Sip and Shop, an annual holiday open-house, sidewalk sales.”
Rankin said she and the other business owners on Saxonburg’s main drag have found that events are a good way to promote the area, and create community between one another.
“We all work together, we all get along for the betterment of all our businesses,” Rankin said. “We’re all for one and one for all. We help each other if one of us needs help.”
