Creating Traditions

article by Rachel Hopkins | The Shops at Station 8

images by Megan Crawford

Megan Crawford

Almost two years ago, I was invited to purchase a business I love. I’m so grateful that I was given enough support and encouragement to take the plunge. I will confess, though: taking on a successful business is intimidating. If I failed, I would let myself down and disappoint the one who lovingly grew the business up from nothing. I set out to maintain all the wonderful things about the shop that our customers love, but I wanted to add my stamp on the business. It was with visions of Gilmore Girls and Stars Hollow (and all of their quirky events in the town square) that I decided to use the shop’s yard as a space for family and community events.

The shop has become known for its fantastic events over the last 11 years. Things like our annual Holiday Open House in November, our Children’s Christmas Market in December, and our Yard Sale during Heritage Days are just a few. While keeping these time-honored traditions, I also wanted to create new ones. This past year, we’ve hosted new events such as our annual Winterfest in January, Frayday, our celebration of Frasier, the shop dog, with an adoption day and pet food drive, and my favorite new addition: Fall Festival!

Anyone who knows me knows that I love this time of year the most! The cooler weather, the colors of the changing leaves, and the layers we get to wear— what’s not to love? At the shop, like most retailers, it all gets started in August. I thoroughly enjoy bringing out the boxes of fall décor and transforming the shop into a cozy, leaf-filled haven. With everything I love about fall in mind, I was determined to create an event that celebrates the season. That’s how our annual Fall Festival was born! Last year, we had great deals inside the shop and a host of fun games outside for kids and families. Apple bobbing, pumpkin painting, bean bag toss, sack races, and a cider press were some of the nostalgic festivities we had outside.

This October, our second annual Fall Festival is on Saturday, October 12th, from 10am-3pm. Like last year, we’ll have games and prizes for the kids outside and new inspiring décor, decorating ideas, and deals inside for the grown-ups! My sincere wish is that you’ll make this sweet festival a part of your family traditions, and that you and your kids will look back on Station 8 with fond memories. So put on your favorite wool sweater, bundle up your little ones, and come down and see us at the shop— we’re looking forward to it!