A pleasantly cool, clear night brought more than 100 people from the Mid-Ohio Valley and beyond to downtown Marietta Friday for the fourth annual Moonlight and Chocolate Walk.
It was the first time attending for Marietta residents Sandra Ackerman and Janet Pottmeyer, both 70, who came with their friend Joan Powell, visiting from Las Vegas.
"This is the first time I've ever done a chocolate walk," Powell said. "I think it's delightful."
Article Photos
EVAN BEVINS The Marietta Times
From left, Twisted Sisters co-manager Suzi Hendrickson laughs with Marietta residents Sandra Ackerman and Janet Pottmeyer as the latter samples some chocolate in the store during Friday’s Moonlight and Chocolate Walk.
The event attempted to lure shoppers downtown with chocolate treats and sales at 19 merchants on Front, Putnam and Second streets, as well as in Harmar, and many folks took the bait.
My Favorite Things owner Asunta Damron said she told visitors from Indiana about the event on Thursday and they came back on Friday.
"They stayed over to come to the chocolate walk," she said.
Fact Box
Upcoming ReStore Marietta events
Nov. 11 - Holiday Merchants and Artists Walk.
Nov. 25 to Dec. 31 - Hometown Holidays.
Dec. 2 - Merry-Etta Moonlight Savings Sale.
Source: www.restoremarietta.org
Damron said she had a good flow of traffic throughout the evening.
"There hasn't been a big crowd really at any one time but we've had a steady progression of people," she said.
Twisted Sisters co-manager Suzi Hendrickson worked the previous three Moonlight and Chocolate walks and said Friday's seemed to be the busiest.
"I think that with the cooperation of our Indian summer that it's been a pleasant surprise," she said.
Having shops open until 9 p.m. meant many participating merchants were offering extended hours as part of the event. Crafter's Paradise co-owner Debbie Elder said events like this and the Merchants and Artists walks are a help to the businesses.
"It is good for business, gets the people out (to) see what we've got," she said.
And the people seemed to enjoy the opportunity.
"I just don't get to come down to the shops downtown very often," said Marietta resident Kayla Lauer, 23.
The event capped off the first week on the job for ReStore's new coordinator, Mallory Greenham, who recently moved to the area from Columbus.
"I really love the area," she said. "I've been coming here for events for about the last five years."
Greenham said preliminary totals looked like there was a higher turnout this year than last.
