By CARL E. FEATHER - Staff Writer - cfeather@starbeacon.com
When it comes to retailing, things are tough in Andover, which has experienced the loss of hundreds of jobs in the past several years and has no big-box magnets.
“There is no Wal-Mart, no reason for people to come here and shop. It’s pretty tough,” said Cheryl Brenner, who owns the Cranberry Station Restaurant on the Square.
This weekend, Brenner and her neighbor/ businesswoman Marlene Collins will give shoppers a reason to visit the southeast corner of the county as they roll out the annual Christmas Walk and their segment of the event: Cranberry Christmas.
Christmas Walk is an open-house event held Black Friday and Saturday. Participating merchants along the square include Cranberry Station, which will feature artist Keith Hennis selling his prints, and the Flower Basket floral shop, which will offer Christmas decor. J&D; Electronics will have holiday specials for shoppers of home entertainment devices, and Rose’s Farm Market will have greenery for holiday decorating.
Cranberry Christmas takes place in Brenner’s house at 6159 Gibbs Road (east of Route 7, south of Andover). This is the 13th year Brenner has transformed her residence into a boutique of Christmas goods. About a half-dozen vendors will set up shop in her house from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Friday and Saturday.
There are both imported goods and locally made items, including lap rugs, homemade jellies and wreaths. Brenner estimates that 1,000 to 1,500 people will file through her house and enjoy a Christmas cookie and cup of coffee during the event.
Shoppers who linger on the square Saturday evening can witness the lighting ceremony and parade, at which Santa Claus makes his one and only pre-Christmas appearance in Andover.
The parade leaves the old primary school building on Route 6 at 5:30 p.m. Brenner said there is still time to register units: Call Myra Brown (293-4949).
After Santa arrives on the square, he’ll be transported via Jolly the Trolley to the village fire hall, where youngsters can share their wish lists until 8 p.m.
Adults and children alike can share their holiday cheer both days by donating nonperishable food items, mittens, scarves and other warm outerwear for children. A wagon will be placed in the square to gather these collections.
