Small Business Saturday: Kelly's is heart of holiday tradition

Story and Photos by Karen Carr Keefe

Senior Contributing Writer

Many Western New York kids had their first-ever visit with Santa at Kelly’s Country Store, 3121 Grand Island Blvd.

The Santa tradition resumes at Kelly’s from 5-8 p.m. today, Friday, Nov. 28, and continues through to Dec. 21, the Sunday before Christmas. The schedule is 5-8 p.m. Fridays; and noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

The store even has a text paging system, so you can shop while you wait, and they’ll let you know when your visiting time is approaching. And, as always, it’s free to take your own photos with Santa.

Small Business Saturday, on Nov. 29, will see Kelly’s offering its popular array of holiday chocolates and other candies, unique holiday gifts, toys, puzzles and Buffalo-themed and Irish gifts, as well as home décor.

Kelly’s Director of Marketing and Sales is Adam Kelly, representing the fourth generation of the family management.

He said the Christmas tree lot on Grand Island also opens today, as does participation in the holiday Festival of Lights at the Hamburg fairgrounds, with its indoor and outdoor vendors.

Earlier this week, 250 Christmas trees – Fraser and Douglas firs – arrived at Kelly’s Grand Island lot.

“Carrying on the tradition here at Kelly’s is really important to us. It’s what makes us different and – and I would hope – special to the community, and making the memories” through generations,” Kelly said. “So, we’re excited to be a part of keeping that tradition going and making new memories, going forward.”

Dawn Marie Travis-Smith of Niagara Falls brought her daughter, Brittany Travis, and her granddaughters, Aubriella Williams, 8; and Zendaya Hamilton, 2, to see the toys, trees, candy and lights on Sunday.

Travis-Smith used to take her daughters, now 27 and 30, to Kelly’s when they were the same age as her granddaughters are now.

“So now, it’s coming back full circle. We’re bringing my grandchildren to enjoy the experience here. And it is wonderful – it’s like a toyland here. It really warms my heart to see their excitement and then have my daughter still here for the moment,” Travis-Smith said.

Brittany Travis agreed with her mother: “I love it. I’m glad they get to experience what I did.”

Aubriella, the third generation of her family to visit Kelly’s Country Store, was happy to be there.

Asked what she liked best, her answer came quickly, “The toys.” When she visits Santa at Kelly’s soon, she’ll have a few special toys on her list: “A baby doll, a Santa water bottle, a Squishmallow, books, family games and stickers.”

The company was started in 1962 by Walter and Grace Kelly. The first generation started small, selling various kinds of candy at local fairs and festivals. The store was then established and grew rapidly. The storeowners now are Kevin Kelly and his sister, Maureen Knight.

Tracy Kammerdeiner, a member of the Kelly family, has worked at the store for almost 20 years.

“I like working at front counter because I like talking to the customers. When we’re not busy, we chitchat, and I like knowing where they’re from. Some people are from places that I’ve been or where I’ve lived over the years,” Kammerdeiner said.

“I like working in the back. I trim chocolate and I help package. Of course I sample!” she said.

“I hope people do stop in. We have a lot to offer for Christmas – lots of ornaments and clothing, and of course, candy.”

Visiting the Christmas Room at Kelly’s Country Store are, from top left, Brittany Travis and her mother, Dawn Marie Travis-Smith of Niagara Falls. In front, from left, are Brittany Travis’ daughters, Aubriella Williams, 8; and Zendaya Hamilton, 2.