Apparently, more is more when it comes to celebrations in the CWE. There were two fabulous events this past Saturday afternoon, the kick-off to the 4th Annual Window Walk and the 9th Annual Holiday on the Plaza. It was freezing cold, but in spite of the weather there were lots of people, including many children, enjoying an action-filled afternoon.
The entertainment included a jumping reindeer, above, and two other performers from Circus Kaput shown in the following two photos…
…the abominable snowman living statue…
and Jack Frost.
There were strolling carolers, above and below.
Pastry chef Lisa Fernandez-Cruz, above, made marshmallows and delicious graham crackers for s'mores at Gamlin Whiskey House.
An open fire on the patio at Gamlin's provided welcome warmth and a comfortable place to sit and enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate, warm cider or Bloody Mary.
Two horse-drawn carriages, stocked with warm blankets, ferried passengers from Lindell to McPherson.
The Matt McCallie Orchestra performed outside Gringo. Matt brought his handsome silvery "malamutt," which won the prize in my book for best-looking coat.
The ice carving crew created sculptures on the spot, which were then placed on the four corners at Euclid and McPherson, see one below.
Three of the ice sculptures are still in place today, however the angel above apparently took flight and landed on Maryland Plaza.
The Landolfi Quartet played its beautiful music outside Coffee Cartel.
A group of girls was oblivious to the activities outside as they celebrated a birthday getting manicures at La Petite Spa.
A Sugar Plum Fairy twirled hula hoops by Mike's Bikes and Lemonspalon.
Warm boots were the main fashion statement of the day.
A long line formed for a photo op with a Budweiser Clydesdale, above. The photos were taken by a tech from GoodEye Photoshare, created by CWEnder Bruce Seymour.
Derek Gamlin, of SubZero & Gamlin Whiskey House, and his family posed for a photo, above.
Art Director Hunter Lansche and Jenna Green, right, an account executive at Dovetail, the marketing/advertising firm for the CWE Community Improvement District, the sponsor of the Window Walk Celebration and Contest.
Be sure to walk around and see all the fabulous windows the shopkeepers have created and vote for your favorites. Votes must be cast in person at any of the neighborhood businesses. The contest continues until the end of the month.
Photos from the Holiday on the Plaza event will be posted tomorrow.