BY ANGELO LYNN
BRANDON — The holidays are rolling in and Brandon businesses are ready and eager to have local residents and visitors spend some time shopping, eating, drinking and making merry this holiday season, says Bernie Carr, president of the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce.
Carr noted that the special events kick off with Small Business Saturday on Saturday, Nov. 26.
“Then, starting on Monday, Dec. 5 through Friday, Dec 9, we have decided to repeat last year’s success of Moonlight Madness Week to highlight local shopping and specials,” Carr said. That’s followed by Brandon’s Moonlight Madness event, which is for shoppers looking for unique gifts, one-of-a-kind items, and exceptional customer service. “It’s an experience that can’t be found at the mall or over the Internet. All throughout town, there will be bargains, sales, specials, drawings, exceptional refreshments and a terrific shopping experience. Many shops offering 20% off storewide and you’ll have a chance to win $100 in Brandon Bucks.”
It’s a break-through year, Carr added, after several years of Covid restrictions, plus the years of downtown road construction prior to the pandemic.
“After 2-plus years of restricted activities, gatherings and comfort in shopping, socializing and dining in any sizeable group due to covid, the feel in Brandon has finally allowed us to start to normalize our traditions and habits in our lives,” Carr said.
“Folks have been so supportive of all the great businesses in the Brandon area over the course of this dramatic event and the Chamber recognizes and appreciates all their efforts in keeping Brandon a thriving and caring community,” he added.
“One positive from the pandemic was the amount of travelers who visited our village and fell in love with the people and our beautiful new streetscape and vibe. A lot of that reflects the strong response that all Vermonters showed in taking the pandemic seriously and doing all we could to prevent and slow the spread of the virus. That effort paid off in encouraging travelers to come up this way to a safe environment and enjoy the great things our town and state have to offer.”
Carr noted that Brandon has been lucky to have been the only town that actually saw population growth since the last census.
“The renaissance we all can see from the recent construction project, and the fact we had commercial building sales during that time and many new business start-ups, reflect the optimism and confidence that the community feels for ourselves and others want to be a part of now,” Carr said. “There’s a great vibe in town and an energy that is palpable. We’re all hoping this leads to a busy and profitable holiday season for the many businesses that worked so hard and supported each other through the tough construction and pandemic that followed.”
Here’s a look at the upcoming holiday activities:
NOV. 24 – PIE GOBBLER RACE AT NESHOBE GOLF COURSE – 7 a.m. Get out early and build up an appetite for that tasty turkey and fixins! Brandon Rec. Register at brandonvt.myrec.com.
NOV. 26 – SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY – This celebratory day was founded to encourage consumers across the country to support local, small businesses within their hometowns.
NOV. 27 – MEMORY TREE LIGHTING – Join us in front of the Town Hall to see our pair of beautiful trees, donated by Steve & Elsie Sherrill, lit up to remind us of our loved ones who have passed. Catch the magic of the season at 3:30 p.m. with carol singing by the Brandon Festival Singers. At 4 p.m., the Memory Trees are lit for the season.
DEC. 4 – BRANDON LIBRARY HOLIDAY AUCTION – Join the Brandon Free Public Library for an entertaining and philanthropic afternoon at their annual holiday auction. Dozens of local patrons and artists donate holiday wreaths, decor, artwork, gift certificates, and treasures for the event. Wine, cheese, and door prizes, plus lots of fun! Preview at 1:30 p.m.; auction at 2 p.m.
DEC. 5-9 – MOONLIGHT MADNESS WEEK IN BRANDON – Shops will once again have a Moonlight Madness Week of savings and specials. Go to Brandon.org to see offers and hours; some stores open till 8 p.m. on Wednesday the 7th. Contact the Chamber of Commerce at info@brandon.org or 802-247-6401 for more info.
DEC. 11 – BRANDON FESTIVAL SINGERS – This annual tradition features wonderful holiday music directed by Gene Childers and featuring pianist Jean Childers. Congregational Church at 3 p.m. The season would not feel the same without this performance. Free will offering.
DEC. 11 – CHRISTMAS PAGEANT – 1 p.m. — Register with Crystal Eastman-Ketcham at ceastman88@aol.com. Public invited to attend, $10 per person! Yankee Swap, raffles, and more. Benefit of Operation Christmas for troops and Silver Bells. Brandon Town Hall.
DEC. 18 – REVERSE HOLIDAY PARADE – 5-6 p.m. Brandon is home to this very inventive and fun event! This is a parade where the floats (home and street displays) are stationary, and the people viewing the parade drive thru! Park St to High St and Center Parking Lot. Come and see multiple Santa’s, Elves, gorgeous lights. All sorts of fun things from the warmth of your car! And then continue on the route to check out some of the beautifully decorated houses in Brandon! Do you want to be part of the action? Contact Colleen Wright at cwright@townofbrandon.com for details.
DEC. 18 – CHRISTMAS DECORATING CONTEST – It’s time to string up some lights and jump into the festivities. Judges will be on the streets on Sunday, Dec 18th starting at 5 p.m. Be sure to have your lights on. There will be 4 categories: residential traditional, residential whimsical (to include blow-ups), civic and commercial. Be sure to call in your own place or someone else’s to be sure they see the town has you on the list to view. Judges will be at liberty to nominate their favorite picks. For more info, contact the Chamber at 802-247-6401 or by email — info@brandon.org.
