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CONVENT – Parish President Pete Dufresne and the St. James Parish Economic Board are pleased to announce that St. James Parish Government will be hosting A Christmas Stroll Down Main Street and Beyond on December 4, from 1 to 4 p.m., with an open house to follow at the Welcome Center.

The event will feature seven local small businesses in Gramercy and Lutcher, Louisiana: Bead Bloom, Ferry Landing II: Vintage and Makers Market, Flower Basket of Lutcher, Furniture and Mattress Depot, Lagniappe Decor and Gifts, Lauri L. Photography Studio and Roussel’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts. Participants can peruse the stores hunting for the perfect Christmas gifts, as well as items for their own homes. Following the shopping expedition, participants are invited to conclude their stroll at the Welcome Center Christmas Open House, which will be open until 5 p.m.

Parish President Pete Dufresne is excited to see the community response to the event. He said, “Within hours of announcing the event online, we had a huge response of people saying they were interested in the event and are excited to see it brought back. We’re expecting a great turnout.”

Economic Development Board Member Brad Poche commented on the event being revived in the community after a break of more than a decade. He said, “This is an event that was done in the past in our community. I am happy that we (the Economic Development Board) are able to bring this event back to benefit the small businesses in our area.”

While residents are shopping, they have an opportunity to get a ticket stamped at each participating store. These tickets can be turned in at the Welcome Center for a chance to win door prizes. The Open House will also feature festive Christmas music performed by Pastor Larry Rocquin of Grace Church of Paulina. Gumbo and a variety of refreshments will be served.

“I’d like to invite all of St. James Parish to this event,” President Dufresne said. “A Christmas Stroll Down Main Street and Beyond is an opportunity to support our local small businesses. When you shop small, you are helping put food on a neighbor’s table, pay for dance lessons and fuel our local economy. And of course, our community gets to come together and celebrate the season.”

Participants can start the stroll at any of the participating stores and will be able to pick up a door prize ticket at any location. Participants will need to end their stroll at the Welcome Center to enter for a door prize. The Welcome Center is located at 1094 US Highway 61 Gramercy, LA 70052.

For questions or more information, please contact Victoria Rocquin-Henry at publicinformation@stjamesla.com.