A Frigid Morning for Shopping Small Business Saturday, Whoville & Annual Christmas Parade Are Next

Village of Washingtonville - It was just about the coldest day yet as we approach Winter of 2023-2024, but devoted customers put their winter jackets on and came to support the businesses on Main Street, Goshen Road, and Depot Street on Small Business Saturday.

Among visitors who came to Patrick and Justine Maiorino's Guilty Pleasures, (Cheesecakes, Pies, Candy, Toys and good company), was District 101 Assemlyman Brian Maher, who brought his children along to the perfect store for kids (as you can see the visiting children were wearing huge smiles while looking at the wall-to -wall selection of candy).

More than one visitor among some local longtime transplants from Brooklyn, Bronx and Queens, when they first walk in the shop have said they feel just like when they were a tiny tot going into a candy store "In 'The City'. back in the day". Lots of shoppers on Saturday had an eye for the aluring pies as well. And that's exactly the feel the Maiorino's strive for. Assemblyman Maher has been to the Village earlier this year to chat with Mayor Devinko and learn about the history, beauty and challenges of this quaint village, and now had the chance to experience it firsthand.

Martha Barrera visited shop after shop, and bought a number of small items at each and every stop. She sported her new sweatshirt from Printing Express, Trophies and More, then ate some delicious cheesecake from Guilty Pleasures, had her favorite drink, horchata from Amadaskitchen, and got a handmade crocheted elf costume for grandson Dominic from Mamba's Creations LLC !... She took a little break but then went on to the next stop , What a Girl Wants, for a sweater and a mimosa!

Martha Barrera with a beautiful holiday sweatshirt from

Luiz Amaral's "Printing Express, Trophies and More"

With the big eventts of Whoville Market, Decorating the Christmas Tree, and the Village's Annual Christmas Parade coming next Saturday (Dec. 2) there is much to do in the week ahead. If the size and joy of this year's other events are any indication, and having watched the Events Committee and their helpful troop of Elves carefully plan every detail, it will be magnificent.

A special part of this year's plans is a collection of huge sparkling tree ornaments that are up for "adoption". The tree decorating is an event unto itself, and very special this year since all Ornament Adoption proceeds are going to be donated to the Historic Presbyterian Church. Founded in 1847 it is very much in need of some repairs, and it is fitting that it's a Community Holiday Event that will help get a significant amount of those repairs accomplished, that is if the beautiful ornaments get adopted (See Patrick or Justine at Guilty Pleasures).

First Presbyterian Church of Washingtonville

The Grinch Has a Box Full of Christmas Tree

Ornaments for Adoption

And that's just a hint of the jam-packed events happening in just a few more days. It's inspiring just to watch this group and see the extent to which they are pouring themselves into making this a Holiday to remember.

Here is a partial description from the Washingtonville Events Committee, and the Blooming Grove/Washingtonville Chamber of Commerce. Oh, and BE PREPARED! The Walden Savings Bank Float has a big surprise for you when it reaches the Village Center!

Join us for Washingtonville's 6th Annual Whoville holiday celebration as we Bring Whoville back to Main Street!

The Grinch has some competition this year as Buddy the Elf invades Whoville - it's bound to be a good time! Stroll through our historical, picturesque Village with a fresh cup of hot cocoa to warm your hands. Be sure to head over to Veteran's and McLaughlin Square for our annual Whoville Holiday Market where you'll find treasures for everyone on your holiday gift list while enjoying the quintessential holiday season ambience... live music, entertainment, artisan crafter and merchandise vendors, street cart comfort foods, and don't forget to purchase your holiday wreath from the local Cub Scout pack.

This , and so much more, awaits you on Saturday, December 2nd!

Stay tuned as we update the full list of planned events for this magical day! Here's a sneak peak at some of what's in store.

TENTATIVE TIMELINE OF EVENTS

8:30-10:30am: Breakfast and a story with the Grinch and Friends at The First Presbyterian Church [breakfast by Ana’s Gourmet]

10am Letters to Santa at Mamba's Creations

11am Holiday Book Reading at Moffat Library

11:30am-2pm: Photos and Cookies & Milk with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Guilty Pleasures Cheesecakes

12-5pm: Annual Whoville Holiday Market at Veteran’s Square (29 W Main Street)

12-7pm: Family Fiesta! at Amada’s Kitchen

1pm: Holiday Haven at What a Girl Wants

2:30pm: Cookie Decorating w/ Holiday Cookies for Country Kids Food Pantry [hosted by the VFW Auxiliary Post 8691 and GR Tours]

4pm Holiday Pre- show at McLaughlin Square