Downtown Havana prepares for the holiday season

Last weekend, September 11, downtown Havana’s merchants and Havana Main Street hosted a sidewalk sale, Farmer’s Market, and Artists-Helping-Artists art showcase.

“We had a good turn-out [of people],” said Ann Kozeliski, the executive director of Havana Main Street. “We had really good traffic on the sidewalk sale.”

That Saturday, the sidewalks in Havana were crowded with downtown visitors, the local restaurants packed with diners, and many of the downtown merchants said that they had a steady flow of shoppers from the moment they opened their doors that morning.

While the Farmer’s Market and art showcase received slightly less foot traffic, Kozeliski says Havana Main Street is already plotting ways to help the two functions grow and continue to develop in downtown Havana - and even though there was less traffic at those events, every vendor still made sales.

“We have room to grow,” Kozeliski admitted. “But everyone made sales and we are looking forward to growing.”

Downtown Havana hosts several sidewalk sales throughout the year, and the sales are marked by discounted prices from downtown merchants, special deals, and a chance for people to find a new treasure in Havana’s trove of antique and second-hand stores.

But with the sidewalk sale over, Kozeliski says Havana Main Street and the downtown merchants are eyeing the holiday season with a gleam of excitement.

COVID-19 stole away much of Havana’s festivities in 2020 - most notably the traditional PumpkinFest that brings hundreds (if not thousands) of people to Havana.

Kozeliski proudly announced that as of this moment - the 2021 PumpkinFest is on.

“We are bringing it back!” Kozeliski exclaimed.

On October 9, PumpkinFest will be held in Havana, with Havana Main Street promising to bring back the fun activities, vendors, merchants, and festivities that have been enjoyed in the festival’s previous years.

October 9 will also be the next date that the next Artists-Helping-Artists gallery showcase and Havana Farmer’s Market will be held.

“With the holiday season approaching, we are all excited to make some sales,” said Kozeliski.

After the PumpkinFest, the next event on Havana’s schedule will be the October Car Show on the third weekend of the month.

The Havana Car Show is a monthly event, but Kozeliski advises parents to mark the October event on their calendars, as the show will include a wood-car derby for kids. Free kits to build their own racing vehicle will be made available to kids, as the event approaches, at Havana Main Street.

On November 6, the Havana Quilt Show will be held - an event that won Havana Main Street two Secretary of State awards at this year’s awards banquet.

Following quickly on the heels of the quilt show, on the second weekend of November, will be the Holiday Open House in Havana.

During this event, downtown merchants will be opening their doors while decorating for the Christmas season; Havana Main Street will be supplying punch-cards that visitors can pick up and have punched at each participating business in the hopes of spreading foot traffic evenly.

The second November weekend will also be the date for the November art showcase and farmer’s market, as well as for the lighting of the downtown Christmas tree and - maybe a visit from a special jolly man in red.

Rounding out downtown Havana’s list of holiday events will be the WinterFest on December 11. This festival, marked by its parade and activities for kids, will be returning to spread Christmas cheer, sweet treats, and celebration.

The September Sidewalk Sale was just the start of Havana’s holiday plans, and as the holidays approach, be sure to circle these dates on your calendar - none of these events are going to be something to miss.

Ashley Hunter - editor@gadsdencountytimes

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Downtown Havana prepares for the holiday season

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