Chamber of Commerce Announces Holiday Window Decorating Contest, Asks for the Public to Judge
From the Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce:
“Westport, December 9th - The Westport Downtown Merchants Association and the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce partner to return the Annual Holiday Window Decorating Contest, this year making it town wide. Residents and shoppers may cast their votes online via mobile device or at the Chamber of Commerce website.
44 businesses are registered and will compete in four categories; Local independent retailers (Mom & Pops), National Chains, Restaurant / Deli and Non Retail, for the most loved windows this holiday season.
“This is just plain old fun and everyone can get involved,” said Matthew Mandell Executive Director of the Chamber. “But it also has a purpose, it will drive traffic to stores as people come to judge the windows, and during this crucial time this is a positive.”
This marks another collaboration for the Chamber and DMA as they continue to take a proactive role in the support of our business community during the pandemic.
“Just like we've made an effort to bring extra holiday festivity to the streets of Downtown Westport this year, our merchants have the ability to display their creativity and welcome new and old shoppers in a safe and welcoming way,” said Randy Herbertson, President of the DMA.
Shoppers can vote at the Chamber of Commerce website www.westportwestonchamber.com/holidaywindow and some stores are able to make it even easier by displaying a QR code in their window for seamless voting by phone. A full list of stores & addresses is online where the QR code takes you.
The competition begins today and ends on Monday December 21st. Residents and shoppers can vote once for each category. Category winners will see their achievement promoted on social media and the grand prize for most votes is generously awarded a dinner for four at Don Memo.
All information, to vote and the list of participating venues can be found at www.westportwestonchamber.com/holidaywindow “
Coffee An’ Donuts Missed by Locals, Re-Opens Tomorrow
Coffee An’ Donuts has served generations of Westporters their famous warm donuts, buttery pastries, and cheesy breakfast sandwiches from the classic horseshoe countertop. The living time-capsule of a restaurant sits among a newly updated Main Street shopping center and several new businesses, however many are happy that the shop and friendly staff haven’t changed a bit in decades.
Customers were reminded this week that even Coffee An’ isn’t invincible - the restaurant’s staff announced through a sign on the front door its temporary closure due to a COVID-19 exposure. This type of closure has been experienced by many area restaurants and stores, and allows for contact tracing, cleaning procedures, and proper quarantining. The message written on the back of a paper placemat served as a (literal) sign of the times.
However another sign later appeared on their front door: “We will open Thursday, Dec. 10th". Customers rejoiced, and are looking forward to the reopening tomorrow as they’ll patiently await their coffee, donuts, an’ conversation at one of the oldest, most resilient businesses on Main Street.
Coffee Shop Traffic Spills onto Post Road East
This was the scene this morning outside of the Starbucks location at 1000 Post Road East as traffic slowed both eastbound and westbound to navigate the caffeine-seeking customers in line for the drive-thru. Since the COVID-19 crisis began, the long line can often be seen as customers seek contactless service.
New Neighbors: Mexica Restaurant Opens on Post Road West
Mexica Restaurant opened for business on Friday night, joining the Westport community with their authentic Mexican cuisine. Located in the Westbank Shopping Center at 221 Post Road West, Mexica offers takeout or dine-in options. Although a new venture, both the owners and the location are not strangers to mexican food - the space was previously occupied by Senor Salsa, and the owners previously operated the very popular Villa Del Sol on Elm Street. Customers can order online or by phone seven days per week.