The Naples Design District lit up with holiday cheer for its ninth annual Holiday Stroll, a beloved tradition that draws locals and visitors to celebrate the area’s vibrant history and creativity. The event, held in Naples, showcased the small businesses that give the community its unique character.
Elizabeth Kurtz Isbell, president emeritus of the Naples Design District, said, “It was kind of created to really represent the businesses in the Naples design district that haven’t been introduced to the community yet.”
Shari Summers, owner of Summerfields, said, “It’s gotten bigger, and it has become a staple amongst locals, as well as people who are here vacationing. I think there are quite a few locals who are in this area and have called this central avenue Design District, home.”
The stroll brought neighbors together, offering a sense of community and holiday spirit. Donna Turovac, a neighbor, said, “The comradery of the holidays brings everybody together. It’s just a special place, special place to live.”
Penny Carolonz and Karen Weinman, who attended the event, said, “Oh, you meet all kinds of people on the street.”
Bob Height and Tony Vack, also neighbors, expressed their excitement about the district’s revival. “I’m glad the district’s coming back, because it was a little flat for a while, and also it’s good to see it being rejuvenated. We need to attract more. We need to keep things stimulated and always active,” they said.
Artist and owner of High Tide, Margie White, said, “I always make a point of having a new show up in time for the holiday stroll. This year, it’s called golf to golf for the golfers in Naples, and then the people who prefer the G, U, L, F up instead.”
Height and Vack added, “We’re very fortunate to be living in an environment, an area like this, like Naples, and we want to take as much as advantage of it as we can.”
Anthony Paterra, owner of Paterra Custom Homes, appreciated the sense of community, saying, “We’re all in it together, and this whole design district is, it’s a great community, because everyone looks out for each other.”
Reflecting on the event’s success, Isbell shared, “Seeing everything come to fruition and just be able to celebrate with everyone during this busy time is, honestly, it’s a true experience that I would never want to forget.”
The Holiday Stroll in the Naples Design District continues to be a cherished event, bringing together the community and highlighting the importance of supporting local businesses.
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