Happy Thanksgiving & Small Business Saturday in Willimantic

November 26, 2024


I would like to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving! May your day be filled with warmth and moments of gratitude surrounded by loved ones. If you would like some turkey roasting and Thanksgiving cooking safety tips, please read below. 
Several business owners joined my radio show to promote their upcoming deals on Small Business Saturday and beyond. Make sure to keep scrolling to get a breakdown of all those promotions.

And, you don't want to miss an opportunity to get in the holiday spirit. There will be several fun events in the coming days. You will find the schedule below.

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Thanksgiving Cooking Tips & Safety 
  • Let's Talk About It: Small Business Saturday
  • Holiday Events You Don't Want To Miss
 
Thanksgiving Cooking Tips & Safety 
Cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving is a cherished tradition that brings joy, unity, and gratitude. The process begins with selecting the perfect bird, carefully preparing, and envisioning the meal to come with friends and family. As the turkey roasts, its rich aroma fills the house, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that draws family and friends to the kitchen.

I'm sure many of you have your own family recipe, but feel free to consider the roasting tips below. 
Click here for turkey fryer fire safety advice
May your Thanksgiving be filled with good company as we all cherish these moments of togetherness and celebrate the blessings that make life special.
 
Let's Talk About It: Small Business Saturday
The Willimantic community is coming together to shine a spotlight on locally owned businesses for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and beyond. The tremendous sales encourage folks to shop small and support their communities during the busy holiday shopping season. By participating, you can find unique, personalized gifts while contributing to the local economy and keeping money within the community.
Several local businessowners joined my weekly radio show, “Let’s Talk About It,” to share the amazing deals and entertainment they will offer to the public. Here’s a look at what you can expect:

Bliss Marketplace, which includes Willimantic Records, will host several vendors and events during the holiday season.

Jewels Verne will have a jewelry sale, raffle ticket drawing to win a gift certificate, refreshments, homemade goodies, and local musical performances from 10 A.M. – 4 P.M. on Small Business Saturday.

Willimantic Brewing Company will provide a 10% discount to anyone who brings a receipt from a local business on Small Business Saturday. The deal continues through December 15.

A Cupcake for Later will have live music, gift certificates, specialty drinks, and much more.
Chris McNaboe, the chairwoman of the Willimantic Downtown Neighborhood Association, shared several other promotions including the Holiday Shop and Stroll on Saturday, December 14. Please click on the video below to learn which businesses are involved!
Local business owners promote Small Business Saturday in Windham!
I would like to thank Chris McNaboe, Kim Cash, David Wollnor, Gay Touma, Serita Lopez, and Jim Preston for coming on the show!
 
Holiday Events You Don't Want To Miss
Windham is getting into the holiday spirit with all kinds of fun events in the coming days and weeks.

The Holiday Light Parade Extravaganza and Tree Lighting at Jillson Square promises to be a great time. Organizers will shut down Main Street for the parade beginning at 5:45 P.M. on Friday. Children will meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Windham Community Center, where they will gift books.

The Windham Center Tree Lighting will be held at 6 P.M. on Sunday. Join the fun as Santa makes an appearance on a fire truck at 18 Windham Center Road. There will be caroling and cookies too!
 
Finally, I encourage everyone to take part in a pair of toy collection drives on Saturday, December 7. Help us stuff a fire truck at Walmart in North Windham (474 Boston Post Road) from 8 A.M. – 5 P.M. or please drop off a donation at BJ’s Wholesale Club (1589 Main Street) from 9 A.M. – 1 P.M.
In addition to those toy drives, Windham/Willimantic CARES is asking the community to provide toys and monetary donations for families in need. You can drop toys off at:
  • Apollo Pizza (685 Windham Rd.)
  • Blondie's Diner (1681 Main St.)
  • Papa Gino’s (95 Storrs Rd.)
  • Town Hall (979 Main St.)
  • Cupcake for Later (798 Main St.)
  • Liberty Bank
  • That Breakfast Place (37 Boston Post Rd.)
Windham/Willimantic CARES is accepting applications for the gift giveaway until Monday, December 9 at midnight. CLICK HERE to apply.