Maple Tree Place Photo
by Jeff Pecor There’s no denying that small business plays a vital role in Vermont’s economy – but what often gets overlooked is how important small business is to the culture of the holiday season in the Green Mountain state. Each year, we depend greatly on the local small business community to usher in the holidays, providing a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and tastes that bring to life the joy and wonder that’s synonymous with this time of year. From the street vendor serving up the sweet smell of kettle corn, to the ice carver chipping away at our imagination, small business is an important underpinning to our holiday experience.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the places where we shop, like Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace and Williston’s Maple Tree Place. Here, under the soft glow of the holiday lights, you’ll find many talented craftspeople, entertainers, and artisans hard at work making the scene more festive – and perhaps more memorable – for visitors.
Yet, as much as these businesses lend to our holiday setting and sentiment, they are also businesses that rely heavily on the holidays to make ends meet – and to make their small companies go.
One such business is Thornapple Farm Horsedrawn Services located in New Haven, Vermont. For the past 40 years, the business has provided horse-drawn carriage and sleigh rides during the holidays – in addition to other special occasions around the state, like weddings and anniversaries.
“Almost all of (our) business is (done) in Vermont,” said Patrick Palmer, owner of Thornapple Farm. “The holiday season is the most important time of the year for rides. I think those old Currier and Ives Christmas cards are the best advertisement in the world.”
This season, Thornapple Farm will help the weekend shoppers at Maple Tree Place escape from the holiday bustle with horse-drawn trolley rides, introducing its team of Percheron draft horses to the crowds of weary walkers.
Church Street Marketplace, Burlington. VBM photo.
“One of my favorite things to do is give (trolley) rides,” Palmer said. “I love the cold and everybody is out for a good time.”
Maple Tree Place is hosting a series of free events geared towards shoppers and the community that are intended to help celebrate the holiday season – and support small business. Running through December 24, the retail complex will be put on a number of festive holiday features and attractions, including live ice carving demonstrations, elf performances, train rides – and yes, horse-drawn trolley rides.
“The rides at Maple Tree Place are fun because it is the Christmas season and people are more open and charitable,” Palmer said. “We have a tip box for the Children’s Miracle Network and it is full at the end of each day. It is amazing how much people give.”
The executives at Maple Tree Place recognize the role the half-million square-foot shopping center plays in the community – especially during the holidays – and understand the importance of bringing in local vendors to enhance the visitor experience.
“Each year, the noise around Black Friday, Cyber Monday and other holiday sales seems to get a little louder, submerging the small business owner that’s also heavily reliant on the holiday season,” said Karen Sidney-Plummer, General Manager for Maple Tree Place. “We’ve made a concerted effort to bring small vendors, artists and entertainers into the mix this holiday season, helping us foster a true sense of community at Maple Tree Place.”
So, this year, if you’re feeling that the holiday spirit is absent from your life – fear not. You can add it to your list and run out to get some from a local vendor.