Story and photos by Lisa Carolin
Downtown Chelsea was a very busy place on Saturday, Nov. 12, for the 11th annual Wine, Women, and Shopping event. Stores were bursting with customers and parking spaces were not easy to find.
It was opening day for Wines on Main, located at 110 North Main, and owned by Pam and Bill Conn, owners of the adjacent Mule Skinner Boots.
“It’s been crazy trying to get ready for today,” said Jennnifer Mantooth, marketing director for Wines on Main, which in addition to wines will sell unique wine accessories and merchandise created by local artists.
“We’ve had an amazing response today,” said Mantooth. “But we don’t have wine. We just got our liquor license Thursday and we’ll have wine in the next two weeks.”
It was also opening day at the custom jewelry design studio, Jewelry Set-in-Stone, located at 105 1/2 South Main.
“Things are going very well,” said Katie Kolokithas, who owns the store with husband Stephen. “We both grew up in Chelsea and have been waiting for a downtown location.”
The jewelry store was so crowded, there was barely room to move. That was also the case upstairs at Global Marketplace’s new location.
“We’ve had lots of people at both of our locations,” said owner Kevin Frahm, who was giving out complimentary cupcakes and chocolates. “We’re excited to be back on Main Street and are getting a lot of positive feedback.”
La Maison had a beautiful display of free sweet treats and no shortage of customers. Women came from as far away as Ohio to participate in Wine, Women and Shopping.
Bonnie Cook, who owns the Potting Shed on West Middle Street and Violet and Moss clothing store on Main Street, was pleased to welcome customers to her newest store, Twigs.
“We’ve got Michigan gifts with an up north feel,” she said.
There were lots of Christmas displays at the event, which is the kickoff to the holiday season. There was also a lot going on at the Chelsea Train Depot where the Artisan’s Market took place. There were collection stations at the Depot and around town where visitors were invited to contribute non-perishable food items to the local food bank.
A silver bracelet was found outside the depot and was unclaimed by the end of the day. If anyone knows who lost it, please let me know. Thanks!