Stephanie Long
(11/15) Nearly 200 people braved
frigid temperatures in Thurmont on Nov. 2 to
participate in the Fall Gallery Stroll, an
event aimed at bringing residents into local
businesses.
Five local businesses, Brown’s Jewelers,
Cool Beans, Hobb’s Hardware, PNC Bank and The
Rebecca Pearl Gallery opened their doors for
the evening, welcoming in cold visitors for a
bit of wine tasting, food, conversation,
browsing and shopping. Local musicians
serenaded the strollers from Mechanicstown
Park, just off the square, and inside Cool
Beans.
John Brown, owner of Brown’s Jewelers,
participated in the event for the first time
this year and for Brown the stroll is what
living in a small town is all about.
“In a small town, we need to maintain an
active town,” Brown said. “Downtowns are the
heart of a town and should be.”
Thurmont Chief Administrative Officer Bill
Blakeslee viewed the stroll as a way for
people to “get out and see what’s available
[in town].” Considering that 200 people took
part in the event despite the temperature,
Blakeslee said he was pleased with the turn
out.
“I think it’s great,” Blakeslee said. “I
like the fact that there’s younger and older
people participating, it’s a nice mix.”
To deal with the weather, many of the
strollers headed over to Cool Beans to grab a
hot drink and warm up. John Kinnard was one of
those who took advantage of the warm business
and a cup of hot cocoa.
“I’m having a very good time,” Kinnard
said. “It’s nice to come home and meet all the
people, sit down, relax and listen to music.”
