Lewiston businesses invite seasonal spenders to 'Kickoff' holiday shopping early

Annual event seeks to provide deals, way to avoid crowds on busier shopping days

By Joshua Maloni

GM/Managing Editor

Last Sunday, Lewiston merchants selflessly gave of their time, talent and candy money to present “Trick-or-Treat on Center Street,” a free, family-friendly Halloween party on Center Street. Not thinking of in-store sales, they left their brick-and-mortars behind to provide a fun afternoon for children (and parents) decked out in their creative costumes.

“I think it's a great way to bring the community together,” said Richie Pysz of Lewiston Estates & Antiques. “It's a good thing for businesses to kind of promote themselves. Some people may come and say, ‘Oh, I didn't even know this place was here,’ and then come back the next week.

“It also shows people Lewiston is here, and we care, and it was something just fun for the kids. And I think it's a great, safe place to provide, to have a day for trick-or-treating.”

Kathy Pignatora, artist/owner at Inspirations on Canvas, said, “I think it leaves just a really good feeling about what we really are here in Lewiston, and that’s just all about community. … It’s brought a lot of Lewiston together.”

The River Region now has an opportunity to show its thanks and support those local merchants by participating in “Holiday Kickoff: Lewiston Style.” The annual event returns from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8.

“It's a great day in Lewiston to kind of get your early Christmas shopping done,” Pysz said. “There's a lot of businesses up and down Center Street. You almost don't even need to go above the hill to go holiday shopping. There's so much in Lewiston – if you just drive up and down the street, a lot of the businesses are going to be offering promotions. All the Christmas stuff should be in most of the shops; so, it's just a great way to get early holiday shopping done.”

He added, “Get some early deals – kind of be the first dibs on all the good stuff. …

“Like I said, there's so many awesome stores up and down the street – from clothes to décor to stuff for entertaining people at parties. You really can find everything on Center Street.”