On April 1, 2014, the Downtown Ithaca Alliance and City of Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick will hold ribbon cutting ceremonies for four new and relocated businesses on South Cayuga Street.
At 2:00 PM, there will be a ribbon cutting for Sunny Days at 123 South Cayuga Street. Sunny Days will specialize in crafts and gifts from New York State artisans, including photography, local music, postcards, maple syrup, and custom gift baskets. Proprietor Deirdre Kurzweil envisions the store as a welcoming environment with staff who will function as unofficial tour guides to the area. Says Kurzweil, “When visitors from out of town come in to the store, it will be a good resource to help them understand all that this awesome region has to offer. We hope to make visitors think, I can’t wait to get started!” Grand opening festivities will continue throughout the day, with a live painting exhibition, music, and refreshments from 5:00-8:00 PM.
At 2:15 PM, there will be a ribbon cutting for Wine and Design at 124 South Cayuga Street. Explains proprietor Kylene Kiah, who owns and operates another Wine and Design franchise location in Corning, “The concept is simple: sign up for a class, show up, bring your favorite snack or beverage, and paint. No experience or art skills or necessary; we have instructors that teach step-by-step and every participant takes home a one-of-a-kind canvas painting made in less than two hours.” In addition to its regular nightly sessions, Wine and Design will also accept reservations for private classes, corporate groups, children’s parties, and special fundraisers. In celebration of its grand opening, Wine and Design is offering all classes for just $25.00 from April 1-April 5.
At 2:30 PM, there will be ribbon cuttings for Evolution at 121 South Cayuga Street and then Avanti at 115 South Cayuga Street. Offering a wide selection of affordable alternative clothing and accessories – from Evolution’s funky streetwear, fashion wigs, and feather boas to Avanti’s cocktail dresses, dressy shoes, and elegant jewelry – Katie Spallone’s sister stores have been downtown fixtures for a number of years. This month, both stores have moved from their original locations into new downtown storefronts one block off the Ithaca Commons pedestrian mall. Says Spallone, “Evolution and Avanti will continue to offer the same fabulous fashion trends and awesome customer service that they have been known for and we are very happy to be a part of the South Cayuga Street scene!”
