Annual 'Sip, Shop and Eat - Lewiston Style!' returns March 21

By Joshua Maloni

GM/Managing Editor

The Village of Lewiston’s preseason shopping and dining extravaganza is back!

“Sip, Shop and Eat – Lewiston Style!” will take place from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 21, offering customers special deals – and a chance to win one (or more) of almost two-dozen prize baskets.

The annual event is coordinated by Inspirations on Canvas owner/artist Kathy Pignatora, Donna Garfinkel of Sgt. Peppers Hot Sauces, Etc., and Jamie Brower of Viva Nostalgia – members of the Lewiston Business Group.

Following a historically snow-covered winter, merchants are eager to welcome patrons back to Center Street and the business district.

“We really rely on people. … And what better place to come walk around than Lewiston?” Pignatora said. “Because, as I've said before, it really is – and I still stand by this – it is magical here. You're just not going to find a better collection of great, little unique (shops). You don't find much duplicate in this village, as far as the shops and then the restaurants.”

“It's got everything you need,” she added.

“We'd love to see everybody come out of hibernation, and come back and visit the shops and the restaurants that make Lewiston so unique and special.”

Pignatora said local patronage is essential, as the Canadian and international customers have not yet returned en masse following this country’s implementation of additional tariffs.

“We really need you guys,” she said. “I think we're such a benefit to what's special about the village. I hope they see that, and that they can help support us and come back out.”

In the village – and at “Sip, Shop and Eat” – “You're getting the customer service that you always get when you come to Lewiston, that you don't get at (a ‘big box’ store),” Pignatora said. “I've been to other small villages – because I love to go to little villages like ours. … I've walked in and out of stores and never been welcomed. I don't find that happens here very often in Lewiston. I love that. I like to be welcomed in, and enjoy that whole interaction – and it makes you feel special.”

For this year’s event, “You'll be going around to different shops” to enter to win a prize basket. “We ask that you visit at least 10. We have punch cards that you can get at any of the shops. We've all been given the punch cards. You don't have to buy anything. Of course, we encourage you, if you see something nice, we'd love you to pick it up, take it home.

“But just come out and see what we have. Bring some energy back to Center Street!”

Baskets are filled with gift cards and swag from local merchants.

“It’s worthwhile coming,” Pignatora said.