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Families, couples and businesses celebrated a season of gift giving, romance and fun with shopping, live music and sweet treats at Eagle Lake’s first Galentine’s Sip and Shop, Friday, Feb. 13, in the downtown square.
A handful of businesses stayed open late to welcome shoppers whi le others set up temporary booths on the street. Live music from the Houston Ensemble Band floated through the air, and some danced under strung lights. Eagle Lake Code Compliance Clerk Grace Adkins organized the evening event and said the businesses have created a family- friendly culture.
“[There’s] a very family- friendly vibe going around the whole thing, including everybody whether it’s businesses or families, friends, kids, older people—it’s just getting everybody out there to come together as a community,” Adkins said.
Adkins said the idea for the event sparked from a suggestion of a market by a local business owner. Every few months, the local businesses organize various Sip and Shops and other events. Adkins said around 10 local businesses and 15 other vendors participated.
Lamber to’s Main Street Italian Restaurant set a soothing atmosphere with a live violinist and tables decorated with roses. The Painted Tree Emporium collected names for a drawing and featured Valentine’s products for sale. Powerhouse Graphics entranced many kids with a chocolate fondue fountain to dip fresh strawberries, marshmal lows and other treats in.
Adkins said the event’s marketing received a lot of attention on Facebook with over 600 people marking as interested in attending the event. While the event was free to attend, the city sold $15 goodie bags with a wine tumbler, local coupons and a stamp card for a raffle basket. Adkins reported selling 90 out of 100 goodie bags the city originally ordered the day before. She said they had urgently ordered more to continue sales before and during the event.
On the night of, hundreds showed up in waves. The event never felt crowded with the large city streets and opportunities to explore stores.
“I think it’s good to have this now to show people that we are going to be doing things, bringing the community together all year round,” Adkins said.
