MAIN STREET: One of the last shopping weekends before Christmas
is about to begin. Before you head out of town, however, explore
Main Street – you might be very pleasantly surprised.

We’ve been walking recently for exercise, an occasion for some
intensive window shopping.

Here’s what we discovered:

If you start at The Era (where you can get a gift subscription
for your Aunt Alma who moved to Akron but still longs for the old
hometown) you can make a couple easy buys within just a few
steps.

You can get barn stars and fancy teapots – and even rent a
movie. A new sweater for Dad, a hoodie for mom – even one that
says, “Bradford High Owls” – are only a few steps farther down Main
Street.

Not for shopping, just for gawking, stop at the newly
refurbished lobby of the Hooker-Fulton Building. The only thing
lacking is a big fat Santa Claus for that beautiful shoe-shine
chair – not too big, though, the seat looks a little narrow.

Stop in at the Chamber of Commerce’s new office and wish Diane a
Merry Christmas. Across the street see the other Diane at the Main
Street Mercantile, a place to buy everything from alpaca socks to
drawings by local artists.

Get a tattoo, a pedicure, take in a movie, buy a cellphone for
your teen.

Virtually anything you want isn’t far away at Bradford’s
original – and best – department store. If Joe can’t find it,
nobody can!

Stuffed shells for supper? One store can do that. Some other
kind of nourishment? We have Chinese, Mexican and Italian. Want a
sub? Fast-food? Broasted chicken? Really great donuts? We can do
all that, too.

If you’re into physical fitness, gifts certificates are
available from several places downtown.

A new dress for mom, antiques, a sofa recliner or end table,
lottery tickets to stuff in that stocking, knickknacks galore,
earrings or a nice pendant.

Your friends and neighbors own these businesses and depend on
your support to keep going. And they are the ones, remember, who
patronize your business, organization, schools, churches. Special
events are scheduled for this evening so do your part – shop ’til
you drop!