For the second year in a row, Grinnell’s Sweet Stroll hit the downtown area, bringing with it plenty of discounts, treats and an opportunity to connect locals, students and business owners together in one place.
Starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6, people began to fill Main Street and Broad Street in search of offerings from participating businesses. This year, 22 businesses took part in the Sweet Stroll — an increase from the 16 that participated last year.
The Sweet Stroll was introduced by the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce in January of last year with the goal of replicating the popularity of Jingle Bell Holiday and to build community loyalty to local businesses.
“If more people can see it, then more people will come, and it’ll be an even bigger thing every year,” said Kyle Stock, owner of Brown Shoe Fit.
With the increase in participating businesses also came an increase in the number of discounts and offerings.
From treats like the limited-time “Secret Crush,” a Dubai dark chocolate mocha, at Saint’s Rest, extended hours of places like Grin City Bakery or artist showcases like the one in the masonic lodge hosted by the American Brawn, there were plenty of things going on to draw people in and to encourage community loyalty.
The day of the Sweet Stroll was also unseasonably warm after a long period of winter weather.
Many business owners said that they thought the warmer weather would help to bring members of the community back downtown.
Cassey Cinqmars, the owner of Luther Floor Covering, said, “I feel like this is something great for the community, especially now as the weather has been lingering on every business.”
Grinnell College students participated in the event too.
“It’s really sweet,” said Mona Hagiwara `29. “Grinnell is always doing things to try to make life more fun for the people who live here.”
“It feels really welcoming and heartwarming,” Hagiwara added.
The Sweet Stroll sought to offer something for everyone. The Stew Makerspace, for instance, offered three family-friendly activities — making Valentine’s Day cards, painting wooden hearts and creating felt hearts.
Craig Gibbens, the program manager for the Grinnell Area Arts Council and the manager of the Stew Makerspace said, “It’s really great to see, especially because of our unique nature of the community and college students, they can really interact side by side.”
Other businesses, such as Beckman Gallery & Gifts, also catered to adults by offering free wine samples to individuals over 21.
“I think a lot of retailers put a lot of fun and heart into it to make it fun for everyone,” said Sam Cox, Grinnell mayor and owner of Saint’s Rest.
“We like to draw people in, and I feel in the last couple years that Grinnell and the city of Grinnell have really transpired into making this a community that’s sharing,” Cinqmars said. She added that business offerings such as free snacks, taste tests and giveaways help shape Grinnell’s reputation as a city.
“We are a small town, but we are a big town when it comes to hospitality,” she said.
