Jan Knewtson has several favorite parts of the Christmas season.
Her most favorite may be when she channels her inner Griswold.
Knewtson, longtime owner of Sophisticated Rose in downtown Iola, has arguably Iolas most ornate holiday window display, with lighted reindeer pulling Santa and his sleigh, and Christmas trees.
Its just something I enjoy doing, Knewtson said. The girls help me, but Im the one who dreams them up.
The challenge, she notes, is keeping the strings of lights glowing through the Christmas season.
We try to reuse the lights from year to year, she chuckled. Sometimes a strand goes out and you fix it, only to have another one go out.
Rest assured, Knewtsons shop will be ablaze come Friday evening when Iola businesses host their ninth annual Downtown Block Party.
Knewtson is among the league of merchants who will stay open late Friday with sales and snacks for Christmas shoppers to enjoy.
The block party offers much the same appeal as previous renditions. Shoppers will be given punch cards, listing 22 businesses from around the square (or at least stationed downtown for Fridays events).
The more the hole punches the greater the opportunity to win the grand prize, a plethora of gift cards, gift certificates and other goodies.
Knewtson, who will offer storewide sales on apparel, is eagerly anticipating the shoppers arrival.
Thats always been my favorite part, seeing the people, she said.
WHILE sales aplenty are the draw for Fridays festivities, the main focus of the day is for all to have fun.
Santas expected to be on hand for those wanting to make sure theyre on his nice list this year.
