Although the streets of downtown Riverbank were not packed with people, there was still a feeling of energy that was swirling around Santa Fe Street between Third and Fourth streets during the Sip-n-Stroll this past Friday, Sept. 14. With efforts to create some excitement in the downtown area and promoting local business, Pete DeMattos with Kiwi’s Custom Guns along with assistance from City Councilmember Leanne Jones Cruz hosted the event, where guests could have a beverage while perusing through the businesses downtown.
Glam Salon by Kristal Austin offered guests red and white wine, water, and a variety of finger foods including grapes, cheese, salami, crackers, pretzels, olives, chips and freshly baked cookies. The team at Glam was delighted to participate in the Sip-n-Stroll and greeted people with smiles and tips for good hair care along with free samples of some products. The full service salon offers men, women, and kids haircuts, colors, styles, extensions, and all the latest trends. They also have waxing, lashes and tanning at the salon on Santa Fe Street.
“I am glad to participate in anything that will promote local business in downtown Riverbank,” added Austin. “We wanted to support what they are trying to do so we have some free giveaways and refreshments for people.”
There were musicians providing live music along the street that entertained strollers. The Modesto Area Street Rods Association had a few cars out on the street for people to look at and the Tri-Tipery had their food truck on hand for those strolling the streets. They offered folks the Wagon Wheel which is sliced smoked tri-tip on a toasted garlic buttered roll, burgers and salads.
There was a bounce house for kids set up in the lot at Kiwi’s Custom Guns as well as several people mingling in and outside the store. There were games available for people to engage in like oversized checkers, Jenga, Connect Four, and corn hole. They offered guests frozen margaritas, lemonade, chips and salsa and homemade Anzac Biscuits, which are a New Zealand and Australian cookie.
The weather was picture perfect for an evening outside and people made their way strolling through downtown socializing and having a good time.
There are plans to have another Sip-n-Stroll in hopes of encouraging more of the downtown businesses to get involved.
