Got a sweet tooth? These ladies have you covered. From specialty ordered pies and cakes, to ready-to-go cookies, breads and more, Sweeties in downtown Gridley makes your holidays sweeter. The bakery and sweet shop had ample goodies on hand for the first Christmas Preview.

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – Gridley’s downtown has grown the past year as new businesses join local staples along the Hazel Street corridor.

The planning prowess of the Farmers Wives and Eight Six O have brought multiple pop-up events to the historical heart of Gridley over the past few months, beginning with the Harvest Festival in early October and now with the Christmas Preview – Shop, Sparkle, Stroll  event which was held the evening of Nov. 22.

From baked goodies at Sweeties Sweet Shop, gifts and fashions from multiple boutiques, creative pursuits and entertainment, there was something for everyone.

New to the scene, Canada Family Farms served apple cider slushies with vanilla ice cream and home-made goodness, from their retrofitted horse trailer.  The family farms apples locally and offers a variety of homegrown apple-based products.

Co-Owners of Eight Six O, Sarah Kelley and Natalie Ratliff sparkle inside their shop that offers everything from scented candles, sparkling jewelry, chic clothing and spa delights, such as Massage therapy courtesy of Kelley, and salon services!

Canda Family Farms has networked with Reis Family Farms, who made an appearance again at the downtown event, selling fresh pears, candied apples and artisan jams and jellies.

Gordo’s tacos warmed stomachs and guests bundled against the cold, made their way in and out of shops, fitness and ceramic studios, and gaming hubs.

The recent addition to the boutiques in the downtown area is the ClayGround – owned by Bridget Ellis.  Filled with children’s toys and gifts, and featuring a large assortment of unfired clay pieces, the ClayGround invites aspiring or practiced artists to pick up a brush and create something colorful.

Santa Claus helped Ellis welcome guests to the street fair, with a photo booth. For $20, children got a photo with Santa and a gift back with a Santa mug and hot cocoa bomb, filled with treats and games.

This little dude was cutting a rug with his momma to the Christmas music that rang through the evening air.  This pair danced up a storm outside charming The Farmers Wives boutique.

If you missed the Christmas Preview, worry not. The Mercantile, offering an eclectic variety of new and antique home goods, luxury bath and body products and gifts, is open for your shopping pleasure, along with Eight Six O, Brooke Armoire, and The Farmers Wives.

If gift certificates are your thing, most businesses downtown offer them – from Game Board Knights, the new board gaming stop in town, to Back in Time Arcade, if you’ve got a gamer, they’ve got you covered.

Those focused on health and wellness can see The Pilates Room, HOT Studio, or massage therapist and Co-Owner Sarah Kelley at Eight Six O for gift certificates.

The locally owned small businesses of Gridley welcomed the holiday season with sparkle at the first Christmas Preview – Shop, Sparkle, Stroll event.

New to downtown, the ClayGround features ceramic pottery pieces for crafts and other gift items. Owner Brittney Ellis (far left) smiles next to her husband and son as they celebrate their first Christmas season downtown!