The festive spirit quickly took hold for several Chatham businesses participating in a Christmas in July event.
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Wanda Bell, owner of Mrs. Bell’s Tea Room, said she loves Christmas and knows her customers do too, so she decided to organize at tea party at her 241 Grand Ave. E. location Thursday.
When she shared her idea with friends Corrine Kennedy, owner of Rubies Inc., and Andrea Palmer, owner of the Encore Shop, they were both excited to participate.
“The idea just snowballed from there,” Bell said. “Andrea asked other thrift stores, who quickly jumped on board, and another gift store was approached, who suggested it to her neighbor, and now we have 14 businesses participating, some on King Street, but many outside of the downtown area.”
Bell said people are encouraged to visit participating businesses Thursday to receive a passport and a stamp from that store.
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People can start wherever they and visit participating businesses in any order. They include: Mission Thrift Store, Barry Patch, KM Greetings, St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, Turns and Tales Board Game Cafe, Collins Clothiers, Art & Heirloom Shoppe, New Life Thrift Store, I Need That Comics and Games, Mahalo Liquidation , and Lavender and Honey.
No purchase is required to get a stamp to be eligible for prize draws, she said. But stamped passports must be returned to Encore by 7 pm before Santa arrives at Mrs. Bell’s Tea Room to draw the winners.
“Each store is donating a prize, so 14 winning passports will be drawn by Santa,” Bell said. “The winner must have a stamp from that particular store to win its prize.”
Participants are encouraged to visit at least eight businesses, “but it would be advantageous to get all the stamps, of course.”
Tickets are still available for Bell’s Christmas in July Tea Party with seatings at 11 am, 1:30 and 6 pm Festive treats such as gingerbread, shortbread, Turtles cheesecake, orange and cranberry scones and other holiday foods will be on the menu.
For tickets, call 226-627-0248 or visit mrsbellstearoom.com.
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