Annual Christmas Stroll planned

With Thanksgiving over and the leftover Turkey in the fridge, thoughts are now turning to Christmas and what’s going to be under the tree. The Mineral County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring its third annual Christmas Stroll on December 17 in Superior.

“We want people to shop local,” said Mary Jo Berry, from the chamber. “We’re asking that businesses stay open later for a couple of hours, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.”

Berry said that in years past theirs been door prizes and deals, but noted businesses are free to do whatever they would like. The Chamber will have a list of participating businesses for shoppers available that evening of those who are participating.

Berry said that they want to encourage people to shop local because it’s important for residents to support the businesses in the county.

“If people don’t shop local and don’t support these businesses then they end up having to close their doors and leave,” Berry said. “When that happens we lose kids from our schools, we lose business. We have to support these small businesses.”

Berry said that the Christmas Stroll is a great thing. She said that in the past they’ve had up to 150 people come through.  Last year, twenty businesses participated.

“There are a couple businesses I know of that are excited about doing it again,” Berry said. “(The stroll) brings in people that a business may not normally get. It brings people out and just puts you in the Christmas spirit.”

After the stroll this year, the Chamber is inviting businesses to join them for a social hour.

“We want to know how it goes for them, what they liked and what they would have done different,” Berry said. “The stroll was fun last year and I think it just lets the community who is out here.”

Berry said that the chamber is trying to do different things to strive to enhance the economic viability and business environment of Mineral County.She said that she hopes people will just come out on December 17 and see what the local businesses have to offer.

“I hope people come out and I hope the businesses get involved,” Berry said. “Rather than driving all the way to Missoula to do all their Christmas shopping, I hope people will shop here because we need to support the businesses.”