Sheila K Miller, New Media Journalist, Certified COVID Compliance Officer
Despite the increase of COVID cases in Berkeley County, Christmas on Main took place on November 20, 2020. Even though the Berkeley County Health Department warned Randy Lewis, executive director of Main Street Martinsburg, about large gatherings, Lewis said, "We are still having Christmas on Main." On November 20, 2020, Berkeley County entered West Virginia's red zone with almost a nine percent daily COVID positivity testing rate. This rate is higher than the state's 0 - 5 percent positivity rate provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
Some modifications were made to Christmas on Main due to the pandemic. The official tree lighting ceremony was canceled. However, the tree is lit for people to visit and take pictures. More streets were blocked off to allow for social distancing during the event. Last year, kids could sit on Santa's lap. This year Santa was not out greeting kids. Instead, he was within the display of Unlimited Flowers. Several performances were canceled, including Airborne Church.
When it came to the standard COVID compliance protocols, many wore masks at the event, but some were without masks. No visuals were seen to remind patrons of social distancing. Some stores did have signs for masks required and the number of customers allowed in the store. The unveiling of Flowers Unlimited’s holiday display created a bottleneck, which made it difficult to maintain the recommended social distance of six feet. However, this was not the only time where social distancing was an issue.
Christmas on Main at dusk on November 20, 2020.
With many events canceled during 2020, this is one of the last events in 2020 to support local businesses. The businesses downtown stayed open late to allow the customers to shop. Some businesses, like Engage!, had merchandise on the sidewalk and street. Engage! opened during COVID’s first wave in May 2020. Kim Leaton, co-owner of Engage!, says the business is surviving despite the pandemic. Engage! sells books, comic books, music, games, and toys.
There are shops and dining downtown for almost everyone. The mini-grocery store was open with their holiday window on display. Other dining established downtown include the Blue White Grill, Sweet Hut Café, and Brix27. For other shopping establishments, there is the new Queen Street Market Place and Westwood Charm Boutique.