By Ashley M. Casey

Associate Editor

Each year, Baldwinsvillians have made a night out of Au Chocolat: traveling by trolley to their favorite shops in the village, filling out their passports to enter prizes and perhaps wrapping up the evening with dinner, drinks or dessert at one of Baldwinsville’s many restaurants. This year, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, the event has been rebranded as “No Chocolat.”

“We’re not going to have the event this year so we can keep our customers safe and healthy, but we are still open for business,” said Joanna Ferguson, Au Chocolat organizer and manager of the Gift Shop at Village Hardware. “We’re hoping to have the event come back for 2021.”

Instead of having customers crowd into trolleys and stores on one evening, which could contribute to the spread of COVID-19, many of the businesses participating in Au Chocolat are offering promotions, sales and socially distanced open houses throughout the holiday season.

“The concern among retailers is, I think, the changing economy: how they can keep their doors open,” Ferguson said. “Essentially, they were shut down for six months … because they were on the non-essential list of businesses. Now the challenge is catching up.”

As the pandemic continues, Ferguson reminds shoppers to follow state and county guidelines about face coverings and limiting gatherings.

“Customers are more confident now than ever in coming back to shop because everybody’s got social distancing measures in place, they have mask requirements. In order for people to enjoy the shops, they’ve got these protocols,” Ferguson said.

Recently, the Greater Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce published a list of ways to support businesses during these difficult times. The chamber urged consumers to follow government guidelines and store policies and treat employees with empathy and respect.

“Do not put a business or organization in jeopardy because you don’t want to follow the guidelines,” reads the list. “Be kind. Business owners and staff didn’t ask to be put in this position. They are doing their best to keep afloat, and venting your frustration to them over situations they can’t control is unfair and rude.”

For people who are not comfortable shopping in person, many establishments offer curbside pickup or online sales. Ferguson suggested ordering takeout from a B’ville restaurant after doing your Au Chocolat shopping.

The Au Chocolat shops are hoping to inspire shoppers to stick to local businesses when making their holiday gift lists this year. Ferguson said it is a “showcase” of Baldwinsville’s businesses.

“The merchants are grateful for continued community support,” she said.