Monday, December 20, 2010

First Annual East 185 Candy Cane Cruise a Solid Start

On a bitter cold Friday night, Northeast Shores Development Corporation and the Alive on East 185 Committee hosted the first annual Candy Cane Cruise. For slightly more than two hours, visitors to the district drove up and down East 185th Street honking and spreading holiday cheer.

Registration for the event occurred in front of the Lithuanian Hall. Participants received an ornament emblazoned with logos of the Candy Cane Cruise and East 185th Street. In addition, the registrants received a goodie bag with items donated by many neighborhood businesses and institutions including VASJ High School, Euclid Hospital, Key Bank, Huntington Bank and PNC Bank. Of course, goodie bags included copious candy canes too!

Participants were encouraged to stop at various locations along East 185th Street for special events during the event. Arabica Coffee hosted trick demonstrations from the Cleveland Yoyo Club as well as historical artifacts were on display thanks to Euclid Beach Park Now. Merchants and restaurants also had specials and freebies for participants in the Candy Cane Cruise. “I think it’s great that Northeast Shores and the Alive on E185 Committee is trying to attract more visitors to the district,” said Steve Newman of Chili Peppers.

“This was a strong foundation for another great promotional event for the district”, said Denise Lorek, Northeast Shores Community Organizer. “Coming right on the heels of Breakfast with Santa was stressful but it is nice to have a wintertime district-wide event to add to the early summer Alive on E185 Parade and Sidewalk Sale.”

A favorite of this writer was the free hot cider provided by Scotti’s. After standing outside for several hours registering cars, the cider really helped keep me warm. Thank you to all that participated and let’s start planning a bigger and better Candy Cane Cruise for 2011.

Brian Friedman is the Executive Director of Northeast Shores and wishes the entire community a safe and happy holiday season.

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