Chalk up another unified community working to counter the effects of the ongoing pandemic, state mandated closures, and the resulting economic impact by taking things into their own hands.
Taylor Prestidge, owner and operator of Soulard’s in Coloma has seen, and even participated in, the long lines of cars getting curbside popcorn from the shuttered Loma Theater and decided to take things into her own hands by appealing to the community to allow for an expansion on that curbside concept by adding additional parties to the line up.
As a result, next Monday, December 21st, from 5 until 7pm you can make your way to Coloma and show support for the industry being deeply affected by state restrictions on dining in, or in some cases even opening at all.
Prestidge says, “Downtown Coloma businesses need your support this holiday season and this your chance to celebrate Christmas and those businesses you love!”
Cars will begin the lineup in front of the Coloma City Hall, and everyone is asked to please follow all traffic directions being provided by many volunteers including the local police and the Jeep Club all helping direct traffic, and providing details on exactly where to go to be part of it.
The event will begin at 5pm Monday night and is scheduled to go until 7pm, however, people can get into line at anytime during that window of opportunity. Prestidge says, “Do not feel like you have to be there right at the beginning to get a spot, in fact it will help the line go quicker if everyone doesn’t show up at the same time.”
As you arrive at the starting line you will be given a menu and a treat bag. That menu will tell you exactly which businesses you will see, what they are offering, and the pricing of each item. Many of the businesses are offering specials just for the event.
You are then asked to please have your order and money ready as you go through the traffic line to the participating merchants. Additionally, merchants ask that you try to bring cash as that will help the speed of the line, however they will accept both cash and credit cards, but no gift cards or checks will be accepted.
The Coloma community will kick into high gear with lots of Christmas lights and decorations, painted shop windows, drive by opportunities to see The Grinch, Santa, Santa’s Elves, and treats for kids in the cars. Prestidge promises it will be a fun, family Christmas event. and adds that each car will get the chance to see Santa and also be entered in a prize drawing just for attending.
Participants in the Coloma Curbside Christmas include:
- Easy Street
- The Friendly
- The Loma
- Soulard’s
- Subway
Other participants included in the gift bag are:
- Blackbird Waterhouse
- Eddie’s Drive-In
- Mike’s Pit Stop
- Honor Credit Union
- Home Sweet Home
Organizers encourage everyone to plan on having dinner and dessert in Coloma Monday night. Menus will become available online for viewing this Thursday to also help you be prepared with your order ahead of time. Look for those menus on the Facebook page for Soulard’s.
Everyone involved says it is going to be a great event to help the Coloma business community, and they hope you will join in.
All they ask, in addition to your ongoing support, is for everyone to please remember to be patient and be kind while at the event. As Taylor says, “It is the first time we have all done something like this. The restaurants and their workers are all extremely appreciative!” She concludes, “Tis the season to be supportive,” and adds, “Thank You to the many supporters and volunteers that have made this event possible!”
