Middletown >> South Lake County experienced a return to normalcy Saturday evening — for a few hours at least.
The annual Christmas in Middletown event attracted large numbers for holiday shopping, warm drinks, tasty treats and pictures with Santa Claus. A number of businesses saw a noticeable increase in traffic this year. Many attributed the large turnout to the Valley Fire, which showed the strength of the Middletown community.
“I think it’s busier because people are more involved in supporting local businesses,” said Britany Bettencourt, co-owner of Funtopia.
Two Women Traders shared the sentiment. They rarely saw a break in traffic Saturday evening, and they received countless words of gratitude for keeping their doors open after the fire. “Every person that has come in has thanked us for what we do,” said store co-owner, Rita Caroni.
Caroni is involved in the Middletown Area Merchants Association, who helped to make the streets festive for the event. They decorated the outside of every shop and helped to imbue the town with the holiday feel.
It wasn’t an easy task. “It was very difficult to come up to the Christmas spirit,” Caroni confessed.
It’s a feeling that has permeated the town. People who lost their homes and belongings may be finding it difficult to get ready for the holidays when they have no place to put up a tree or the resources to buy Christmas presents for family and friends.
“It’s been really difficult for a lot of people to prepare,” said Jennifer Hartnett, owner of Munchies and Music.
But even so, the association decided, “We’re going … to make this the best Christmas ever,” Caroni said.
Their hard work paid off, especially for the town’s children, who had the chance to visit Santa and take photos. Afterward, they picked out their own stuffed toy from a large pile. At Munchies and Music, Hartnett gave out toys to all the little ones for free.
“I think it’s especially important for the kids,” said Bombshell Betty owner, Corina Thomas. “I think it makes them feel like it’s that time of the year.”
Bettencourt agreed. “Having kids be involved helps people go back to normal,” she said.
And watching the town regain that sense of normalcy for an evening was uplifting for everyone. Funtopia co-owner Jane’a Rubio lost her home in the Valley Fire, and during the Christmas in Middletown event, a customer gifted her three homemade ornaments. “To see everyone come together … it means a lot,” she said.
Caroni couldn’t ask for a more supportive place to call home. “We’re a phenomenal community,” she said.
Jennifer Gruenke can be reached at 900-2019.
