The community of Gagetown, N.B., is hoping this year’s Christmas at the Village will attract business after being hit with hard times in recent years.
The community has lost both its long-running ferry and its Service New Brunswick location. But this weekend’s holiday event may be the start of better times.
“At our other restaurant we ran out of food at the end of the day. It was like perfect timing,” said restaurant owner Thane Mallory. “We actually had to go in and get supplies last night and today we're getting a return visit."
Gagetown is known for its summertime hospitality, but for the last 21 years,the community has come together to try and extend the season – especially with the recent setbacks.
“There's been major hits, of course with the ferry,” said Mallory. “What's happened is that everyone's had to work a little harder to make sure that folks come into Gagetown."
Signs remain all over the village in protest of the government cutting the Gagetown ferry. But the business that's come in over this two-day event has been a blessing.
Food, music and local products were what drew the crowd. Many venders said business was up compared to last year.
“We were a little concerned initially about the weather forecast but it turned out to be quite nice,” said Rotary Club member Jerry Misener. “I think we're selling a good amount of product this year."
“It brings people in because not a lot of people know where Gagetown is, so it brings people from Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton," said business owner Jeff Arsenault.
It even attracted a popular man from the North Pole. Santa Claus himself says things in Gagetown seem to be looking up.
"A real good turnout,” Santa said. “In all honesty, all the venues here that I visited this afternoon – they're booming."
It’s a good sign for a village that needed an extra lift.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Laura Brown.
