Monongahela merchants remain merry despite holiday event being postponed

By Michael Richter
mrichter@yourmvi.com
Despite the postponement of Merry and Bright Night and persistent rain, Monongahela’s local businesses received consistent traffic throughout Friday.
The Monongahela Area Chamber of Commerce announced Thursday afternoon the city’s annual Merry and Bright Night was moved to Dec. 1 due to inclement weather.
Local businesses, however, decided to continue the festivities they had planned for Friday night, hoping for an additional night of customer support.
When Heidi Hoffman, owner of Sweets by Mrs. C, heard the news about Merry and Bright Night, she called in a favor. If Santa wasn’t going to make his way down Main Street Friday evening, Mrs. Claus had to pick up the slack.
“I realized there were going to be people coming in, and other businesses in town (were going to stay open),” Hoffman said. “I needed to do something that was going to pull people in.”
Hoffman’s mother, Dortohy Jackson, 93, played the role of Mrs. Claus Friday at the Christmas-themed shop.
Hoffman said the kids loved her. One patron, who was eagerly awaiting her arrival, showed up at 5:15 p.m. asking if Mrs. C was there yet.
Jackson has made appearances as Mrs. C before at her daughter’s shop, so she’s become a recognizable figure to families in the community.
“And I think she’s having more fun than anyone else,” Hoffman said.
“They make me feel like I’m really wanted,” Jackson said.
“You are really wanted,” Hoffman said.
Hoffman’s shop offered free hot chocolate and ornaments for 30% off, but most people were interested in the candy and ice cream.
Hoffman was worried Friday’s weather and the postponement would deter customers from her and other local businesses.
In addition, Hoffman emphasized the ongoing, necessary infrastructure work along Main Street has adversely affected Mon City’s businesses.
“It’s been hard for local businesses,” Hoffman said.
But the night proved to be a success for Sweet by Mrs. C, as it was bustling with patrons throughout the night.
“We were really looking forward to everything that was going to take place, but things work out,” Hoffman said.
“I’ve never seen the store so crowded,” Jackson said.

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