Special tree at Kelly’s pays tribute to Island military

Compiled by Dispatch staff
Grand Island Dispatch, November 19, 2004

Mike Kelly (left), owner of Kelly's Country Store on Grand Island Boulevard, and father, store founder Walter Kelly, stand beside a special Christmas tree set up in tribute to all Grand Island service members. The tree, decorated with red, white and blue lights, U.S. flags, and yellow ribbons, was the idea of store employee Marilyn Anderson. Kelly's would like to include the names of service members and their branch of service on a plaque behind the tree, and invites Island residents to particpate in this effort. Stop by at Kelly's or call 775-7757 for more information. (photo by Karen Keefe)

This year’s decorations have a new and patriotic addition, as Kelly’s Country Store prepares to shine for another Christmas season. A special tree holds a place of honor before the Christmas room. Amid the twinkling red, white and blue lights, flags and yellow ribbons pay tribute to all of Grand Island’s servicemen and women.

The tree was the idea of Kelly’s employee Marilyn Anderson of Grand Island. “It just came to me,” she said, as she was decorating the Christmas room. “A special tree in a special place for special people.” She said the Merry Christmas tribute is not only to those deployed in Iraq, but for all the military – especially those on the Island.

“We put it in a place where everybody would see it as they walk in,” she said. Anderson would like to place a plaque behind the tree with the names of Grand Island men and women currently serving in the military. “Just let us know their names and the branch of the service they are in,” she said. People can call in the information to the store at 716-773-0003 or the office at 716-775-7757, or e-mail to kkelly1997@aol.com.

Kelly’s Country Store, at 3121 Grand Island Blvd., has been a favorite holiday tradition for many for about 40 years. Entering the doors of the rustic, barn-like structure, is like stepping back in time. Antiques and unique gift items fill the walls and shelves. In a special Christmas room and throughout the store, a shopper finds red and green ornaments, statuettes, porcelain knickknacks, linens, china and decorating items galore, Kelly’s is the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind gift for that hard-to-shop-for person on the holiday list – and at reasonable prices. There is gleaming brass and crystal giftware, cookie cutters, kitchen utensils, coffee mugs, hostess gifts and gift baskets. The store carries Beanie Babies as part of a wide assortment of stuffed animals.

Kelly’s has long been famous for its homemade chocolates and candies – made on site. The candy display captivates children and adults. Set up like an old-fashioned penny candy store, it includes boxed chocolates, ribbon candy, sponge candy, fudge, holiday candies and many more classics and unique Kelly originals. Chocolate turkeys continue to be a favorite. These milk chocolate treats come in a range of sizes and are perfect for use as a delicious holiday place setting or centerpiece.

Their candle room features a variety of scented, unscented and seasonal candles in all sizes and colors. The Christmas room is a delight, filled with a forest of trees, toys and goodies. Children and adults will be amazed at the elaborate, animated Christmas scene, antique toys and a nativity scene that dates back to the early 1900s. The manger scene was purchased from a church in Rome, N.Y., and is one of more than 40 antique items on display in the store.

Children will want to make a special trip to see Santa Claus, who actually comes down the chimney at Kelly’s. He arrives at Kelly’s on Friday, Nov. 26, From 6 to 9 p.m. That day, he will be available to listen to the children’s holiday wish lists and remind them that he’s watching to see if they’re naughty or nice. On Saturday, Nov. 27 and Sunday, Nov. 28, Santa will be there from noon until 5 p.m. Thereafter, he is at Kelly’s from 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays during the season. Santa has been visiting Kelly’s every year since 1975, and families from across the state and border travel to see him.

Kevin Kelly said that a new feature for his family’s store is a large TV and DVD player in the Christmas Room, where holiday classics such as “Frosty” and “Rudolph” will play for the kids while their parents shop. He is the third generation of Kellys to run the store. The success of Kelly’s can be traced back 41 years ago to the original owners, Walter and Grace Kelly, who began their careers vending candy at various fairs across the state. Their family business, now run by the second and third generation of Kelly’s, began with a facility that was a mere 500 square feet in size. It has since expanded to nearly 4,000 square feet, along with a second location at the Williamsville Water Mills, 56 E. Spring St.

The Grand Island store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Starting Friday, No.v. 26, extended hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. go into effect seven days a week. The hours for the Williamsville store are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.