RUTLAND, Vt. (WCAX) – You might see orange and blue bags all along Center Street and merchants on Thursday evening for the Marble City’s annual Sip & Shop. Some of the store owners say that they’re hoping for a bit of a business boost.

Despite the wind and a bit of a drizzle in Rutland’s downtown, shoppers were out and about, looking for a deal at some local stores.

“It’s a great way to bring uh outside but really high-quality vendors into our downtown shops and pair a wonderful downtown shop with a wonderful maker from Vermont,” said Downtown Rutland Partnership Executive Director Hal Issente.

The Sip & Shop hopes to encourage people to peruse over 15 different Rutland City shops.

Each store has been paired with some type of local Vermont-made food or drink.

Organizers said the gloomy weather never deters locals.

“A lot of Vermonters are really hearty, and their out. We haven’t had a lot of people cancel, but a lot of people are still buying tickets even with the rain drizzling,” said Issente.

The Downtown Rutland Partnership has used the event to kickstart new businesses, but it also has its charms for returning stores.

“A lot of people think we’re just a wedding destination, so even established like ours after 70 years, new people find us, which is pretty cool,” said McNeil and Reedy owner Casey McNeil.

Shop owners hope the Sip & Shop will help to keep the customers coming.

“Every day, new stores are popping up. We have a few restaurants in the works, so I think that’s a good reminder to people in town and you know outside of Rutland that there’s a lot happening down here,” said McNeil.

Organizers say they’ll hold another event closer to the winter holidays, where they expect a large turnout.

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