Downtown. It was abuzz and ablaze. It was fun.
Before the official opening of candlelight, Charlie Schwarz at Magee’s had his cases filled with pastry, beautiful pies and racks of those famous iced cookies.
Business was already brisk as both Alice and her mother worked the counters.
No one appeared to be having more fun than the Downtown Frankfort Director, “elf” Kelly Everman.
“Just call me Kelf tonight,” she said as she bounded into The Woolery experiencing its first candlelight as a new downtown business.
Dressed straight from meeting up with ole Santa himself at Whitaker Bank, Kelf’s feet were as long as she is tall.
Her appearance was electric. Shoppers gathered around as she entertained youngsters with her quick moves and funny voice.
“It’s wonderful and we’re off to a great start,” she said of the night’s doings as she hurried off to another venue.
Later she was aboard a covered carriage headed toward Ann Street. No one appeared to be having a better time.
Crowds appeared less than usual at Thursday night’s Whitaker Downtown Candlelight Tour. At times one could see easily from one end of St. Clair to the other.
However, Frankfort native and veteran of candlelight Louise Roach begged to differ and offered a different perspective.
“No, I don’t think there are fewer people here,” she said, walking up Broadway and leaving her husband, former county Judge-Executive Bob Roach, at Mitchell’s to visit.
“I just think there is more to do and people are inside those events.”
Roach said she had been inside venues like the First Presbyterian Church and found it standing room only.
There was definitely no room to stand inside Selbert’s Jewelry as buyers enjoyed homemade bourbon balls and lined up at counters to cash in on the savings the shop offered.
“I don’t normally work the counter,” said Tammy Weitzel, co-owner with her husband Walter, who was busy boxing and bagging up purchases.
“It has been this way all evening.”
Farmers Bank employee and former teacher Sarah Liebman was among the shoppers making purchases for her golfer friends.
Liebman had earlier been put to work at Melanie’s on Main to assist with the cotton candy machine.
“I came in for dinner and got put to work,” Liebman said.
Melanie’s was also doing a brisk business as diners filled every table enjoying her spaghetti and meatloaf specials.
Ann French Thomas and her mother were among them.
“I could sit here and see everybody in town. I love it.”
Granville and Polly Coblin were also on hand. The Coblins, owners Chenault and Hoge Insurance on St. Clair, have been backers of the candlelight tour since its inception nearly 30 years ago.
Granville also joined Liebman at the cotton candy machine before going in to eat. He was busy handing the pink fluffy treat to a group of small girls who had gathered around.
Inside First Federal Savings and Loan, visitors milled about taking advantage of cookies and hot chocolate being served by the friendly staff.
Former President Danny Garland appeared, having traded his often seen Elvis attire for an 18th century holiday costume. Ever the entertainer, he drew laughs and applause from the crowd as he struck an Elvis pose in a traditional madrigal singer costume having just performed around town with the singers from First Methodist Church.
“Thank you very much,” he said in his Elvis voice.
At 8 p.m., customers were still lined up at Magee’s several deep, and the racks that were filled earlier with the cookies were almost empty.
“It has been a good night,” said Alice hurriedly. “We’ll stay open until everyone has gotten what they want,” she said handing change to a customer.
Sally Wiggins and her grandchildren along with her daughter, Meg, and son-in-law, Dr. Jimmy Quarles, exited the Grand Theatre to cross the street to the Marcus building to see the merchant decorated trees.
“We vote for this one,” said young Sarah pointing to a white Grinch tree.
People could be seen coming and going from the Kentucky History Center and the Frankfort Museum.
“Are you a pirate?” one young boy asked Russ Hatter dressed in his walking tour costume.
Roach was right. Shops and special venues were still customer packed at 8:30 p.m.
There’s more to come this weekend as the Whitaker Bank Candlelight Tour swings into a weekend of events including the lighting of the Frankfort Christmas tree at 6:30 p.m. today and a stage on St. Clair filled with talent.