It’s Beginning
TO LOOK
Some things to look forward to include a food competition for best cake, pie, or chili. There will also be Christmas light competitions for business and residential, a holiday fun run by Anytime Fitness and benefitting the volunteer fire department, a Christmas market showcasing local artisan vendors, and the City’s headliner, the Christmas parade and float competition.
CHRISTMAS!
“To be honest I was surprised the City was on board with something of this size,” Ashton said. “So many people reminisce about Justin Fun Days, and it’s exciting to be able to bring something like that back to the community.”
A LOT LIKE
L
by Brooke Ezzo | photos courtesy of Jennifer Green
ocal business owners Jennifer Green of Texas Patina and Ashton West of Beck’s Beauty Co. are helping to light up small town Justin in a big way. Bringing back the spirit of community, togetherness, and holiday nostalgia, these ladies have teamed up with the City of Justin to put on the 1st Annual Old Town Christmas event. City Manager Cori Reaume challenged Jennifer and Ashton to dream big when it came to planning and organizing the event, which will be held Saturday, December 12. “We had her support from the get-go,” Jennifer said. “We started brainstorming and reached out to other Justin business owners. We want it to be constant fun all day.” The moment that word got out about the event, sponsorships started pouring in from businesses and residents throughout the city and beyond. These sponsorships include everything from city holiday decorations, live reindeer, and carolers to arts and crafts for the kids and the chili cook-off prizes.
With so many people moving to the area, Jennifer, Ashton, and the City are looking for ways to celebrate growth but not lose that small town feeling.
Spanning three blocks in downtown, Jennifer and Ashton plan to use every square inch for food, live music, and entertainment. From 3rd street by the Classy Cactus all the way to 5th street by Southern Roots DnA, people are encouraged to walk around and enjoy everything the event will offer. “Outlaw Burger will extend their outside patio so there will be a place to hang out and have a beer,” Jennifer said. “We’ve talked to Margaritas about joining in, and the alleyways will be filled up with food trucks. We are trying to incorporate everyone and it’s important to spread it out.”
14 | 35 WEST | NOVEMBER 2020
“Our motto is ‘everything a hometown should be,’ and to help bring that back with this event is very rewarding to me,” Jennifer said. Intended to look like a scene from a Hallmark movie, where the idea for the event came from, downtown will be lit up, wrapped up, and ready to go for residents to enjoy a full day of fun. Santa is making an appearance and bringing his elves with him, so dress in your best buffalo check and get ready for a photo op! To be a sponsor, sign up to volunteer. For the 1st Annual Old Town Christmas entertainment schedule, visit www.JustinOldTownChristmas.com. www.35WestMagazine.com
