(Seguin) — Cocoa Sip N’ Stroll is expected to be bigger, better and safer this year. The community holiday favorite runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday in downtown Seguin.
Sip N’ Stroll, which is put on each year by the Seguin Downtown Business Alliance (DBA), attracts thousands of guests each year.
DBA’s John Huerta says they that again be the case this year, as the group reaching a significant milestone.
“This is our 15th year that we have been doing the annual Sip N’ Stroll for downtown Seguin. Every year it has grown bigger and bigger. So, for our small town to see it grow, has been totally amazing,” said Huerta.
The biggest announcement for this year’s Sip N’ Stroll may have nothing to do with hot cocoa or Santa Claus. Huerta says for the first time ever, they will be closing sections of Austin Street to make it even safer and also make easier for more people to get around during event.
“In the past few years, there’s been concerns with traffic going along on Austin Street. The folks at (the Seguin) Main Street (Program) — they’ve done a tremendous job of being able to shut down the streets. So, just keep in mind that from Gonzales Street to Court Street, that road will be shut down on Austin Street; and then from Court Street all the way down to Donegan Street, that will be shut down as well,” said Huerta.
The move not only means that event-goers will no longer need to dodge traffic along Austin Street, but it also means that folks need to find some other places to park in that area.
“For those who are parking on that road right there, you probably will have to find other parking or other accommodations for both Thursday
The Texas Local Government Code, Section 87.042, gives the county judge the authority to appoint an interim and fill the vacant seat until the general election is held. night and Friday night, but particularly Friday during the annual Sip N’ Stroll,” said Huerta.
Huerta says with the traffic safety concerns addressed, it will allow people to just focus on enjoying the night and the delicious cocoa that will be available all-over downtown Seguin. In order for you to really enjoy the hot chocolates, you need to get yourself a Sip N’ Stroll mug. He says this year’s new mug is available for purchase now.
“We change them up every year and we always have a contest for the drawings that are on the mugs. This year we decided to feature Juan Seguin. So, mugs are for sale at various shops to include Gift and Gourmet, You’re So Crafty, Keeper’s Interiors, and Big Chief Cigar, as well as the Seguin Main Street office. So, you can purchase your mugs (now). They’re $20 a piece. You can also purchase the mugs the night of Sip N’ Stroll,” said Huerta.
Once you get your mug, then you’re able to sample all of the chocolatey beverages that will be available on Friday night. Huerta says there are lots of different and delicious options for you to try this year.
“There are 31 different entries, and you’ll be able to go around to various shops that are participating. There’s some (setup) outside their shops. There’s also some that are in Central Park, and you’ll be able to just get a little sample of the hot chocolate that’s out there. If you head on down to Central Park, you’ll be able to get a map of where everybody is stationed,” said Huerta.
The Downtown Business Alliance uses the money that it raises from the Sip N’ Stroll to enhance opportunities available in downtown Seguin. Huerta says folks will notice one of their new purchases once they get into Central Park.
“We finally made enough to where we were able to purchase a very, very big Christmas tree and it has gone up downtown Central Park. That tree is finally up and it is absolutely beautiful. There’s some new additions as far as light fixtures that are downtown Central Park. We are so excited that it’s all coming together now. And this year is just so special because like I said, it’s the 15th anniversary,” said Huerta.
Again, the Cocoa Sip N’ Stroll runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday in downtown Seguin. It’s just one of a handful of events that will be held in downtown Seguin this holiday season. The fun begins on Thursday with the city’s Holiday Stroll Lighted Parade and the official Lighting of Central Park. The parade along Austin Street officially begins at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Saturday’s schedule gets started early with the annual Jingle Bell Run. The 5K gets started at 8:30 a.m. Saturday in Central Park. It’s a chip timed race, but it welcomes people of all fitness levels, including walkers, joggers and runners. Strollers and friendly dogs are also welcome. Signup is now available at athleteguild.com.
The fun will continue on Saturday with the North Pole Stroll, which offers music, food and fun in Central Park. More information about the events and the non-profit Downtown Business Alliance can be found online at downtownseguin.com.