Story By Donald Campbell

Downtown Fort Payne was bustling with activity over the weekend, as businesses welcomed customers to this year’s Holiday Open House event.

Connie Fuller, the executive director for Fort Payne Main Street, described the event as a successful outing for the community. She said virtually every business in downtown took part in some form or fashion, even those that aren’t storefronts or restaurants. There were specials all over the place for customers to take advantage of, while one of the stores even featured a special visit from Santa Claus himself.

“People really came out this weekend in support of our businesses,” Fuller said. “Our main street is really thriving. I think it was a really good day.”

Some of the stores involved had lots of positive things to say about the Holiday Open House and getting to be a part of it. Slade Carden with Tiger Lily said he saw lots of people out and about, believing it was a good and successful weekend across the board.

“It was definitely a surreal moment, the fact that all these businesses came together for this,” Copper Cactus owner Tasha Leake said. “I love the idea of seeing the whole community get involved.”

Having only been open for a couple of weeks, Leake mentioned that one of the big things she was able to accomplish during the event was introducing herself and her business to Fort Payne. Before setting up shop on Gault Avenue, she said she ran a similar store in her hometown of Trenton, Georgia, and liked having events like a Christmas season open house, but said it was not uncommon to seem like she was the only one doing something like that.

Alice Circle owner Alice Pettyjohn said both days had gone well, with customers coming in to enjoy a coffee or hot tea, while also taking some time to make ornaments and other various Christmas-themed crafts.

“I think we had a good turnout,” she said. “I think our town really supports our small businesses.”

Courtney Wilson, owner of Cotton State, said she definitely saw some regular customers, but had some come from as far away as Douglasville, Georgia. No matter where her customers were from, Wilson said she saw a good turnout and support from everyone as the store gears up for the holiday season.

In addition to what store owners had to say, Fuller said she heard lots of positive remarks from those visiting downtown as well.

“I spoke with some folks from Russellville and they were excited to see we have a true small town downtown. The bypass in Russellville has damaged their downtown. Lots of empty buildings. A group of ladies from Tuscaloosa were shopping and said they look forward to coming here every Christmas Open House. They have been coming for four or five years. They think our downtown is beautiful,” Fuller said.