Discover Churchville during June 8 Walk-About

Discover Churchville during June 8 Walk-About

Small businesses are the hallmark of most villages. They add to its character and charm. Unfortunately, many small businesses are losing out to the cookie-cutter plazas and shopping malls. As a result, many people are unaware of the small businesses that are right in their backyard. To remedy this situation, the Village of Churchville is holding a "Walk-About" on Thursday, June 8, where people can literally "walk-about" and see the businesses in the village which will remain open from 5 to 9 p.m.

The village has hosted the Walk-About for several years. The idea for the event originated from Anne Taylor and Scott Cullen. "We thought the Walk-About would be a great way for people to get to know about the businesses in the village," said Taylor, who is a licensed agent at Churchville Agency, Inc.

Scott Cullen owned a video store on Main Street. He grew up in Churchville and has remained there, where he is now raising his own three sons. "I want my sons to identify the Village of Churchville as their hometown and be proud of it, and having the Walk-About was one way to do that," said Cullen who is also a village trustee. "The Walk-About shows everyone that there are viable businesses in the village."

With each year, the Walk-About has grown larger as more businesses participate. This year is expected to be the biggest so far. From buying a bouquet of flowers at the florist to perusing the local antique shop to getting a haircut, the village is a one-stop shopping place.

If you are thirsty or hungry, you can get a fresh cup of coffee at Roasted Bean, a slice of pizza at Krony's or Pontillos or a submarine at the Main Street Deli. The Star of the West Milling Company will be open as well. The flour produced from the Star of the West can be found in baked goods and desserts from companies such as Dunkin' Donuts and Freihofer. Some of the other businesses participating in the Walk-About include: A Touch of Country Class, Babe's Unisex, Barnard Chevrolet, Bean & Bin, Churchville Tire & Supply, Jazz Hair Design and Myers Campers. There are many other stores as well, including new ones that opened since last year's Walk-About.

"The Walk-About has been a success and has done what it was intended to do - people who come say that they didn't realize that a certain business had been there," said Taylor. "I hope we will be celebrating the 30th annual Walk-About many years from now."

In addition to the businesses who will participate, organizations such as the Lions Club and Riga Republican Committee will be present. People will also have the opportunity to meet local government officials.

One of the highlights of the Walk-About will be a silent auction, where items donated by businesses within the village will be for sale. The items will be on display at the Newman Riga Library where people can place their bids.

Putting a creative twist on the traditional scavenger hunt, there will be a "Historical Hunt," where those who participate will learn a number of facts about the history of Churchville as they walk around to different sections of the village. The winner of the contest will receive a tree. Meaghan Lodge is organizing the hunt. In addition to Lodge, as well as Taylor and Cullen, other organizers of the Walk-About include George Benson and Sue Tegg from Roasted Bean and Glenn Stowe who owns A Touch of Country Class.

The Walk-About occurs on the same day of the village's annual Strawberry Social which began in 1890. Having the Walk-About and the social on the same day is beneficial to both events, noted Deb James, chair of the Strawberry Social.

The social will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Union Congregational United Church of Christ, 10 North Main Street. In addition to strawberries and shortcake, there will be hot dogs, beverages, angel food cake and sundaes for sale. The desserts range from $1 to $3.50.