Sip and Shop benefits community, business owners

Image
Body

 

 

The Snyder community enjoyed a Sip and Shop, organized by merchants of the downtown area, Thursday night.

Michelle Bird, one of the organizers, said it was busy the entire day.

“I guess when people found out they (food vendors) were going to be out all day, they decided to come out,” Bird said. “The (food vendors) have said it’s been great. What’s interesting is that people who don’t shop the square come out for this.”

Bird said organizing the event went smoothly and that the food vendors will be set up through Saturday. 

“It’s good. There’s a few of us who meet and kind of collaborate, I guess you could say. We just got the music and food trucks and Josh (Events Coordinator Josh Ortegon with the Snyder Chamber of Commerce) came and helped me with the food trucks today,” Bird said. “We already have one planned for April 29, which is a Saturday, and we’re going to try to get bands and make it an all-day (event) and family friendly.”

Shopper Wanda Short attended her second Sip and Shop.

“I love it. It reminds me of being in Fredericksburg and walking around the street shopping,” Short said. “You get to see a lot of people out here and you have the food vendors. I think we need to support our local merchants and I try to do that.”

Wanda Early, who was shopping with Short, said she saw out-of-town people visiting merchants.

She said that events like Sip and Shop give her a chance to see what the local stores have to offer.

Rita House, owner of the WR Whistle Stop, said it was a good evening and she hoped it would get better as the day went along.

“It started around 4 (p.m.). We noticed people started walking around and they’d come in and out and of course they’re signing up for the giveaway.”

House said business has been good compared to January and February 2016 because she believes more people are spending money.

Jessica Gordon, who had a booth at the November Sip and Shop, said she enjoyed shopping this time.

“This is my first Sip and Shop to shop. It’s fun to shop. I’m here as a customer this time,” Gordon said. “It brings people to the shops when they can’t get down here. Everyone’s open later.”

Lucio Solis, who was purchasing items from a food vendor, said he thought the event was a success.

“I think it’s great. It’s about time,” Solis said. “We need to bring this for our Snyder Bike Rally.” 

Chris Bane, who was in line to get her grandson cotton candy, said she attended the Sip and Shop in December. 

“It was great fun. I did some Christmas shopping, but I stayed too late in the stores and I didn’t get to get food, so this time I came to the food first. The line is too long for funnel cake, so I’ll be back tomorrow,” Bane said. “I think it’s great, anything to get people out and about.”