The Downtown Merchants and the Oliver Street Merchants have announced the Lumber City Winter Walk will take place at various local businesses and community centers in North Tonawanda from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. The Lumber City Winter Walk will feature more than 30 family-friendly events throughout the day, primarily in the Oliver and Webster streets area of North Tonawanda. A free bus shuttle will take attendees to seven stops throughout the city to access the events.
The Lumber City Winter Walk launches a new collaboration between the Downtown Merchants and the Oliver Street Merchants to celebrate small businesses citywide and to strengthen the community as whole. After months of planning this citywide effort, the merchants said they are thrilled to celebrate the holiday season with new and exciting events and old favorites from past walks.
The "Polar Express"-themed winter walk will feature dozens of activities for children, including free pony rides, a petting zoo, fire truck rides, breakfast with Santa, meetings with Princess Elsa and Ana, magic shows and chances to win prizes. Kids will also be able to express their creative side by making their own ornaments, writing letters to Santa and face painting. Most of these events are free for children.
There will be plenty to do for adults, as well. Local businesses will feature special discounts on holiday gifts throughout the day. The newly opened Canalside Wine & Spirits will offer wine tastings and The Old Chapel Antique & Artisan Market (formerly Ascension Church) will celebrate its opening day.
In addition to all these events and activities, families may also use the promotional brochure as a "Polar Express" ticket. If they get the ticket punched at 10 different locations, they can submit their ticket at Michele's Motif (72 Webster St.) for a chance to win a prize.
The popular Christmas trailer, complete with holiday characters and decorations, will follow the shuttle stops to spread holiday cheer and collect canned goods for the North Tonawanda food pantry. Attendees are welcome to bring nonperishables for the trailer.
For an up-to-date list of events, one can join the Facebook event page by following "Lumber City Winter Walk" or by visiting
lumbercitywinterwalk.com for more information.
