Love Local shopping event will return to downtown Coldwater, with free soups and chili

Posted by author February 5, 2025 Shopping

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COLDWATER — Downtown Coldwater will host three hours of pre-Valentine Day shopping, with free soups and chilis for this year’s third annual Love Local event Saturday.

The soup and chili tasting will take place at 11 locations from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. while supplies last.

Main Street Director Audrey Tappenden said to start, “Tasting tickets and voting cards can be picked up at Blush & Ivory Bridal Company at 41 West Chicago before beginning the tasting adventure.”

Tappenden asks that you drop off the voting cards in boxes available at each of the tasting locations when you finish. The 11 participating locations are listed on the free tickets.

A photo booth will be set up in Broadway Grill.

Randall Hazelbaker, a city councilman, will entertain on the sax at Jim’s Place on South Monroe Street.

Tappenden said 110 people attended Love Local last year with a $5 ticket charge. “We’re hoping that making it free will double that.”

Tappenden explained, “Blush and Ivory Bridal Company and the Children’s Museum both joined us as sponsors this year, which helps offset some of our costs by making the event free to the public.”

City Manager Keith Baker said the public, “Can get a head start on those Valentine’s Day gifts” in local businesses downtown.

Love Local replaced part of Winterfest, which was held downtown until three years ago, when it moved to Heritage Park for the cardboard sled races.

The chili and soup cook-off competition remained downtown with the causal shopping event.

Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com