Photo by Peyton Neely Arrianna Vanway, 5, of Marietta, plays on a typewriter in Wit and Whimzy during the Merchants and Artist Walk in downtown Marietta on Friday night.

MARIETTA — The chilly weather in downtown Marietta on Friday didn’t stop the streets from being flooded by residents for the final Merchants and Artist Walk of the year.

As the sun went down, and so did the temperature, more than 35 retail businesses extended their usual hours for this special event presented by Marietta Main Street.

“This is such a neat event for downtown Marietta, and I love the atmosphere,” said Stephanie Langloice, owner of the Peyton and Peppy Boutique.

From 6-9 p.m. Friday, local residents had a chance to check out local vendors, retail stores and artists  around every corner. The residents that braced for the chilly weather were able to experience not only the stores and the artists with their work, but also the Vendor’s Village, a section that was introduced this year in the 100 block of Butler Street. They closed down an entire block for the vendors who do not make their items by hand to set up and sell.

Located in the Vendor’s Village, Langloice said this was a great opportunity to meet people and expand business. Near her were other vendors including SW Resources and Scott’s Super Adventures Segway Tours.

Photo by Peyton Neely Kristie Garrison, with SW Resources, adjusts her mosaic pictures that are handmade from recycled magazines during the Merchants and Artist Walk on Friday night.

Kristie Garrison with SW Resources was there showcasing the mosaic pictures she makes and sells.

“SW Resources is a company that serves the community to employ those with disabilities,” said April Pennell, director of rehabilitation. “Kristie has tremors but that hasn’t stopped her from creating her art.”

Among the pictures, made entirely from recycled magazines, were images of snowy wilderness, some bicyclists, dogs and more. Garrison has been doing these for about four years now.

“I love to bring them here to show how much time and effort goes into these,” she said.

Catherine Reynolds, a tour guide from Scott’s Super Adventure Segway Tours, said she really likes that they close a street specifically for vendors.

Photo by Peyton Neely Catherine Reynolds, a tour guide for Scott’s Super Adventures Segway Tours, rides around on a segway Friday evening during the Merchants and Artist Walk in Marietta.

“We love to get out and get physical, showing people what we do,” she said. “This is the first year for the vendors’ street but we have been doing this event for many years.”

Marietta local Jennifer Hamilton, 42, said she and her family try to attend the event every time.

“We love to support the community and local businesses, as well as artists,” she said. “Plus it’s that time of year and Christmas is right around the corner.”

The holidays were certainly part of  the atmosphere Friday as Mr. and Mrs. Claus were waving from the window of the Putnam Commons and businesses along Front Street have already decorated their windows with lights and Christmas decorations.

Others were attending to see some of the artwork displayed at some of the businesses by students from Marietta City Schools. The pieces focused on veterans.

Jim Waybright, 73, and his wife Pat, 73, attended through an invitation from Marietta High School senior Erica Roberts, who painted a surprise portrait of Jim Waybright when he was serving in Vietnam.

“It was such a nice surprise and I really wasn’t expecting it,” he said.

Waybright is a substitute teacher for Marietta City Schools and said he was asked to share some of his experience in the Army with the art students for inspiration.

“I had no idea that’s what they were doing,” he said.

His wife added how beautiful it and how touching it is that the students had art displayed honoring the veterans, as the event did fall on Veterans Day.

Danielle Vanway, 33, of Marietta, came with her daughter Arrianna, 5, who is in kindergarten at Harmar Elementary School.

“Arrianna had some of her artwork displayed down at one of the stores and it was really neat to see that everyone is seeing that while supporting local businesses,” said Danielle.

The merchants were also happy to remain open for this time to promote and sell their business. Brenda Sydenstricker, owner of Sy’s Place which recently moved onto Front Street, described the event as a preview for their new location.

“This is kind of like the before and after as we aren’t completely moved in and settled yet,” she said. “This event is telling people about our new location and getting the word out that we have moved.”

Many LuLa Roe Boutiques were in attendance for this event, including Breanna Myers’ boutique which was set up inside the Healthy Start store along Front Street.

“This lets us try to expand our business while also bringing people into Healthy Start,” she said. “This event is such a great thing for bringing the community together.”