Even the pandemic won’t keep Santa from putting in his traditional appearance in downtown Dowagiac this coming weekend, but it will be in a highly non-traditional format as he sits in the front window of the Cottage Gallery in Dowagiac’s central business district, unable to meet face to face or initiate any contact with the younger set who will be seeking him out. At least he won’t be able to tell you that the Red Ryder B.B. Gun you want for Christmas could shoot your eye out!
Vickie Phillipson, Cottage Gallery owner and operator, says the shop will host Jolly ‘Ole St. Nick in its storefront window this coming Saturday, December 5th from 11am until 2pm.
Phillipson, who is also program director for the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development Authority, has helped organize Christmas programming for the Chamber for the past three decades, and says, “After the difficult year we have all had and having worked with Santa for the past 30 years, I couldn’t let this holiday season go by without children being able to see him, right here at home.”
Due to COVID-19 and state mandates, the Chamber was unable to host Santa or its Christmas Open House Weekend, which is traditionally held in mid-November. As such, Phillipson sought to present a safe and socially-distanced way for children to see St. Nick this weekend.
She says, “As my gift to the community, families with young children will be able to see Santa this Saturday, as they experience a walk by and wave opportunity.” She adds, “Envision a life-size snow globe, whereby children will be able to view Santa, sitting within Cottage Gallery’s storefront window. For the safety of families and Santa, this is a socially distanced event with no contact or communication with Santa inside or outside of the store.”
Phillipson says children will have the opportunity to take home complimentary Santa stationary, and they may also drop off their letters to Santa. A special mailbox will be available for children’s letters outside of the shop.
Phillipson reminds everyone, “Families visiting our storefront window are asked to mask up and socially distance themselves outside Cottage Gallery and while they are on the sidewalk,” adding, “We will have X’s on the sidewalk to help guide the public, as they wait to view Santa through the window.”
Cottage Gallery, which opened in August downtown, specializes in cottage-style furniture, and new and vintage home décor and gifts. Located at 126 S. Front Street, the store is located adjacent to Saylor’s Front Street Pizzeria. The store is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 5 pm.
