Old-fashioned holiday cheer abounds at Chepachet’s Candlelight Shopping – NRI NOW

“We love it,” said Jenna McIntyre, a Glocester resident, who was with her son Aiden. “We started coming after we moved here five years ago, and we come every year. I get a lot of shopping done for all my relations.”

“I love the carolers, the shops, everything,” raved Lori St. Sauveur from Woonsocket. “I love the whole experience, but we particularly love coming to Brown and Hopkins.”

Charlie Wilson, owner of Town Trader Antiques, which is the oldest building in the village, helped bring Candlelight Shopping to life when he moved to Glocester in 2004.

“When I took it on, no one was doing it,” Wilson said.

He has been the chairman of the event since then.

“Every year it grows,” Wilson said. “It’s just been a lot of fun.”

In 2024, 20 shops are open for the occasion. Professional carolers were added this year, and shuttle buses were added last year to provide parking and transportation for shoppers. Preparation for the event begins in June, lining up participants, getting funding and planning out the various elements for a successful event. That includes placing the 65 metal lanterns, as well as paper lanterns lining the main street, creating a festive atmosphere for shoppers as they stroll through the village.

“I’ve got 300 lights out there,” said Wilson.

Asked what he likes best about the annual village tradition, Wilson said it is watching people’s reactions.

“Smiles on people’s faces as they come through the shops and all the kids that come, that makes it all worthwhile,” said Wilson.

Mr. and Mrs. Clause are seated in a corner of his shop for young and old alike to say hello, get their picture taken, or make a last minute request – if they have been good, of course.

Further down the street, the Friendship Masonic Lodge #7 also opens its doors for visitors. Local high school students will be selling Christmas decorations in front of the Lodge and giving away free hot chocolate. Proceeds from the sales will go to the local food pantry. Inside the Lodge, members will be serving homemade bread and soup to the public, with popcorn and Christmas movies shown throughout the evening. Members will also be serving s’mores over an open fire in front of the Lodge. In addition, on Thursday, Dec. 12, Mrs. Claus will read “The Night Before Christmas” inside the building at 1167 Putnam Pike at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.

“I have been coming here for a number of years,” said Steve Mitchell, a Glocester resident, former Ponaganset and Burrillville High School principal, past master of the Lodge and past grandmaster for the Grand Masonic Lodge of Rhode Island Freemasonry.

“We have some hot soup for any visitors who want to come in and get out of the cold, and that is what we do every single year,” he said. “Every year it grows, more and more. We have volunteers in the lodge who cook different soups for each of the Thursdays. It is giving back to the community, being part of the community. It brings friends together, people together, and it’s a time of celebration.”

Lights glimmered along the street as foot traffic began to increase and shoppers started to fill stores, including Tavern on Main, which was already packed with people celebrating the season and the event. Ray Musumeci, owner of the Whiskey Pearl, which sells vintage items, said at times there were more than 350 people entering the store in one night last year, looking for special items or last minute gifts. The store also offers free hot cider and cookies. Most shops provide free snacks of one kind or another for visitors.

Tavern owner Dave Lumnah was not surprised at the turnout.

“Candlelight Shopping is huge in this town,” he said. “We count on it every year.”

“This makes our year,” said Trish Hampton, owner of Pet Boutique. “It is such a heartfelt and fun event.”

Callie Bisset, manager of Brown and Hopkins, who has been there for five years, agreed. She explained that the historic store provides more than just unique merchandise.

“This store has so many memories,” Bisset said. “This store is so nostalgic for so many people and so many different generations. I love getting to see new customers, old customers, little ones coming in and picking out candy. It brings the community together.”

The store was recently purchased by Glocester residents Scott and Cindy Barlow. According to American Heritage Magazine, the Bond Map Company of New York recognized Brown and Hopkins General Store to be the oldest country store in continuous operation in the United States. The building was erected in 1799 by Timothy Wilmarth, who built a residence and a hattery. In 1809, the building was purchased by Ira Evans who started the business as a general store. After several changes in ownership, it was then purchased in 1921 by James L. Brown and William W. Hopkins. Brown and Hopkins operated the store until 1964, when it was purchased by Roscoe and Lillian Steere. In the late 1900’s Brown & Hopkins experienced a few more changes in ownership.

Asked if the store has changed since the recent change in ownership Bisset said it hasn’t.

“No, if anything, it has just expanded and brought in more of the general store,” she said.

Some customers return looking for that Christmas spirit and, maybe, a little bit of nostalgia, as well, including Kathann Mospaw Lambert and Tom Mellor of Burrillville. Mospaw Lambert was a longtime Burrillville teacher.

“I was here quite a few years ago,” she said. “It was kind of a nice idea to come back and check it out. My grandparents grew up here in Glocester. I just want to check out some of the antique places.”

“And find the hot chocolate,” added Mellor with a laugh.

Visitors can even spread some holiday cheer of their own. An outdoor caroling stage, donated by the FLH Entertainment Staging Company, will be set up next to the Glocester Heritage Society building at 1181 Putnam Pike. Those feeling the Christmas spirit are invited to get up and share a Christmas tune with visitors passing by.

You may even get a greeting from Christmas Elf Roger Bourbonniere from the Kindness Rocks Project of Burrillville, who said he will be here and there throughout the village.

“I spread kindness every year,” said Bourbonniere, dressed in full elf garb. “That’s my job.”

Candlelight Shopping takes place on Thursdays before Christmas from 5 to 9 p.m.