Between long checkout lines, crowded malls, packed parking lots and marked up products, it’s no wonder few people look forward to Christmas shopping. Napanee’s shop owners will look to rid shoppers of all those headaches on Dec. 16, when they host the fourth annual Downtown Shopping Party.

Organized by Starlet Boutique’s Cat Monster, the night will see downtown stores keep their doors open from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., offering a variety of sales.

“The numbers have increased this year, we have well over 20 participants,” Monster says of the stores that are onboard. “I feel that the events that their hosting in store, they’ve gone for the gusto. There are all kinds of fabulous things going on in the stores.”

Each store owner is free to plan their own way to entice customers, whether it’s live music, draws or discounts in exchange for a food donation. All donations will be given to a local charity of the store owner’s choice.

“Most of the stores aren’t typically open until 10 p.m. on a Friday night,” said Monster.

“This is a wonderful way to allow people to come downtown and see all the lights on.”

Leading up to the party, merchants are encouraged to deck their front windows as festively as possible.

The party won’t be contained to the indoors. Dundas Street will be bustling with activity featuring live music, horse wagon rides and even Santa and his reindeer are expected.

All of the stores that are taking part will display a custom wreath on their door in advance of Dec. 16.

The wreaths will be based on what the store sells — for instance, Coffee Cravings might have some coffee mugs while Total Aquatics might have pictures of fish. A complete list of the participating stores and the sales they’re offering can be found in downtown stores now.

Monster says the number of shoppers has grown each year and this being the biggest party yet, she expects the trend to continue.

“My wish to Santa Claus this year is for good weather for the Shopping Party,” adds Monster.

From:  Xmas shopping party ready to go
By: Adam Prudhomme
The Napanee Beaver
December 1, 2011