by MaryAnne Block
The evening was chilly-crisp, with lots of joy and expectation in the air, at the 11th annual JoeTown Winter Walk Dec. 1.
The event took place from 4-8 p.m.
A big draw for families started with visiting Santa and Mrs. Claus in the outdoor area at Bello Cucina restaurant at the corner of College Avenue and Minnesota Street. The waiting line grew longer as the evening went on, which added to the excitement.
The Bad Habit Brewing Co. had every seat filled and many standing. Visitors made their way through that crowd to reach the craft-creation project made available by the Avon Hills Folk School. Children, with help from others, were able to make their own Christmas decorations while smiling family members proudly looked on.
As Winter Walk visitors sauntered along on the downtown sidewalks, which were bustling with families and friends, the lighted luminaries along the sidewalks became more striking as the dusk deepened.
Inside the St. Joseph Catholic Church’s Heritage Hall, there were bursts of festive color with a large offering of creations by local and area crafters. Everything under the sun, it seemed, was available, a feast for the eyes as well as selections for the buyers seeking their special gifts.
The Heritage Hall also hosted a delectable array of baked goods for sale. Tasty meals and coffee and cookies were available for the hungry crowd. A few tables were available for people to sit down and enjoy visiting with new and old acquaintances.
At 7 p.m., the lights of a Christmas tree outside of Heritage Hall were illuminated during a ceremony. A couple visitors were already waiting as early as 5:45 p.m. in anticipation of the tree’s dazzling lights being turned on.
Erin Peters and her mother Quinn were at the head of the line to meet Mrs. Claus (Lisa Wallin) during the JoeTown Winter Walk in downtown St. Joseph on the evening of Dec. 1.
The St. Joseph Heritage Hall was filled with a variety of beautiful artisan crafts at the Dec. 1 JoeTown Winter Walk in St. Joseph. Kayla Anderson of Palmer displays her warm, colorful crocheted mittens. The people were enthusiastic in shopping, buying, visiting and eating.
Eliana Johnstone of St. Joseph whispered her Christmas wishes to Santa. They were then joined by her mother, Jodi, for their picture with Santa, while dad proudly watched.
Joann Keller of St. Joseph (left) and friend Scottie Jerzak of St. Cloud check out some of the stained-glass works by “Glass Joy” of St. Joseph at the Heritage Hall craft sale. The sale was just one of the events at the Dec. 1 JoeTown Winter Walk in downtown St. Joseph.
