The Stoughton Chamber of Commerce took over Main Street in Stoughton for several hours on Dec. 5 for the Welcome to Winter evening.
This annual event saw great weather, bringing families and friends to stroll through the streets and businesses to enjoy a social village atmosphere.
Nobody went home hungry as there was lots of food, snacks and drinks along the way.
It all began on Railway Avenue with a stop at Blondies Car Wash and Prairie Pantry. Inside parents could sip on a peppermint latte while kids decorated a cookie. Author Alissa Goudy was on hand to sign her book, and outside was a candy cane lane.
Around the corner on Main Street, the Crossroads Inn and the Stoughton Tecumseh Fire Department served up some grilled hot dogs and hot chocolate. The ambulance volunteers were accepting lightly-used winter gear for those who could use it.
Across the street, the Stoughton Meat Market gave customers 15 per cent off, and the Stoughton Co-op handed out hot chocolate topped with marshmallows and cookies.
In the green space, a crackling fire pit kept hands warm while people roasting a smore that was offered by the Stoughton Credit Union.
Throughout the evening, a team of horses hooked to a wagon gave rides up and down the street, thanks to Stoughton Veterinarian Services, so that people did not have to walk the length of the street to get to all the businesses.
A bake sale was on at the Drop-in Centre with Coderre Construction giving out hot apple cider and ginger snap cookies. The Girl Guides were selling their cookies and the Early Learning Facility let children create cookies.
Many prizes were offered throughout the event, which included a basket by the Stoughton Playschool, while the pool and recreation board held a draw for a basket.
Beauty by Jo had a small indoor market, whipped lemonade, a popcorn bar fiesta and a winter photo booth.
Mindy’s Pizza had a draw for a pizza, Lakeview Insurance offered a reindeer food craft for Rudolph, and Rising Moon had an in-store draw.
Down the street, the Town of Stoughton had council chambers turn into a gingerbread house display for a contest and librarian Tanya Dubois read Christmas stories to the kids.
Vivid Ink hosted Santa and Jacquie Walbaum sang Christmas carols. Goodie bags supplied by the Lions were handed out to the kids and the Lions Club also held their 50/50 draw there.
At Stought’s Eatery and The Poplar Tree Inn, crispy tacos, hot chocolate and Whoville were attractions.
While Santa was busy listening to children tell him what they want for Christmas and greeting people on the street, the Grinch made an appearance slipping through the crowd.
Slowly the street emptied out, the Chamber of Commerce to plan for next year's event.
