The photos below were taken on Saturday, December 7 during the 15th annual Holiday on the Plaza and the 1st of 3 Window Walk events throughout the neighborhood. A 2nd Window Walk event took place yesterday and will occur again next Saturday, December 21.
I’m sure Santa has gotten an earful (see banner above) during his two visits to Maryland Plaza, where he will be again next Saturday. Volunteers from the Central West End Association are offering free gift wrap (at the corner of Euclid and Maryland) on items purchased in the neighborhood, and there are horse and buggy rides, musical groups, and carolers walking about as well.
Bob Kramer brought a bear marionnette from A Big Bear Christmas, which is this holiday season’s production at the Marionette Theater, 4143 Laclede. The season runs until December 29. More information can be found here.
There were lots of activities for kids in the Indoor Workshop tent sponsored by BJC, Home Depot, The Cup, MassageLux, and Paul Mitchell The School. There was also a performance by dancers (above) from St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 4967 Forest Park.
The scoop from Bob Koplar, above, who was enjoying an arancini de riso on Maryland Plaza, is that the “samples were made by the chef of the yet unnamed Italian restaurant that will be opening in the former ‘Scape space very soon.”
Jeremy Corray, dressed as Buddy the Elf , was the MC for the tree lighting ceremony and introduced Mayor Lyda Krewson and Alderwoman Heather Navarro who welcomed the crowd to the CWE. Corray is surrounded by members of Washington University’s Chamber Choir who sang traditional carols before the tree lighting ceremony.
With Santa at her side, Emme Lankheit, a former patient at Children’s Hospital, lit the stunning tree that will grace Maryland Plaza throughout the season.
Thanks to the Koplar Family, Maryland Plaza’s Frances Thompson, and Kate Haher and Erica Lembo of the CWE North Community Improvement District for keeping this wonderful tradition in the neighborhood alive.
If you haven’t had a chance to see all of the beautiful holiday shop windows be sure to take time to do so. And while you’re looking, stop inside and shop local this holiday season.
If Susan Barrett (above in black coat), had a magic wand “there’d be an art gallery on every corner.” That was her response when I congratulated her on the opening of yet another venue, Barrett Barrera Projects at 4739 McPherson, an office space with an adaptable, multi-purpose project space for mounting exhibitions.
