Sturgeon Bay, Wis. (December 11, 2020) – When we “reimagined” our traditional Christmas by the Bay Weekend, never did we think we’d have the community participation that we did! Anywhere between 500-700 cars participated in this community car parade and to say that it warmed our hearts would be a severe understatement.
Families bundled up in pajamas and blankets with bowls of popcorn, our “seasoned” residents telling us of how this reminded them of when they were young and would drive around with their parents looking at the storefronts, and individuals thanking us for providing them a way to be part of a safe, community event…it was all simply overwhelming.
Our businesses went all out and joined in the fun of covering their windows while secret displays were worked on behind the scenes and the reveal was amazing. Hearing cars honk their horns and clap for the businesses that have survived this unprecedented year, reminded us of how grateful we are to be part of Sturgeon Bay.
Thank you to everyone who participated with window displays and storefronts of lights and congratulations to this year’s People’s Choice winners:
1st Place – Madison Avenue Market with their Gingerbread House and Candy filled windows. Each piece made by hand, the trees, garlands, and gingerbread house were nothing short of a labor of true love for Sturgeon Bay. You took our breath away.
2nd Place – The Marketplace by Bliss with their Grand Opening at the former Younkers Store. Bliss’s windows are simply a “fantabulous” display of what can only be described as a winter wonderland. (And to think that they closed their former store, moved all of their inventory, AND created this masterpiece in 9 days!).
3rd Place – Wilkins & Olander with their “Elf” themed windows. From the hundreds of hand-cut snowflakes to Buddy’s famous quotes and paper chains, Wilkins & Olander transformed their windows into one of our favorite Christmas classics. You made our hearts happy and our faces smile (because smiling is our favorite).
Sturgeon Bay had over 40 businesses participate in our inaugural “Unwrapping Sturgeon Bay for the Holidays” event so now it’s your chance to experience them in person! Sturgeon Bay is the perfect day-trip destination for your holiday shopping and know that you’ll get all of the personalized service and one-on-one attention that you’d expect throughout our charming shopping districts.
Unable to make it here? Many stores have online shopping options and everyone is ready to take your call and ship directly to you or your gift recipient. We know how important “Shop Small” and “Shop Local” is to every community, so thank you for your help in supporting the small businesses that are the fabric of Sturgeon Bay.
Special thanks to our Title Sponsor, Nicolet National Bank, for supporting us and all of our local businesses through this heartwarming event.
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