MONROE — After the tumultuous past year where businesses and citizens alike have painstakingly suffered the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new leaf has seemingly turned over. 

Ready to begin anew, Monroe’s downtown square was flooded by about 200 people wondering the streets and shops June 4 on the tour of the Wine Walk. A total of 14 local stores participated, with Buehler Interiors marking the starting headquarters. Each offered a variety of wines, ciders, and a few beers. Treats were also on the menu, from sandwiches to fruit to chocolate chip cookies dipped in bourbon infused dark chocolate.

Monroe Main Street coordinated the event, looking to bring business to the local area and celebrate the beginning of summer. Jordan Nordby, executive director of Main Street Monroe, could not have been more pleased with the turn out. 

“I’m really happy with how we were able to balance keeping people, including shop owners, comfortable (with social distancing) and still make the event a success,” Nordby said. “It was wonderful seeing so many smiling faces — after this past year, especially.”

It was not only Nordby who enjoyed seeing people on the square. Christi Moe, owner of Zodica Perfumery, was excited to see the diverse crowd, which the walk brought to her store. 

“The Wine Walk gives people an excuse to visit and try something new,” Moe said. “Our store typically has female patrons. Because of the walk, we had a lot of men also explore our store’s selection.”

Zodica Perfumery, located at 1620 11th street on the square, is expanding its sales to an international level with the online store selling to the United Kingdom and elsewhere. Moe, however, enjoys sharing her homemade products with her community. 

“There is just something lost in translation,” Moe said. “I like to see people’s faces and interact with them.”

Busy Bee Floral owners, Debbie and Joe Hillary, experienced similar feelings. Debbie, alongside Hannah Cook, continued to fill arrangements for the next day’s orders as the festivities took place. Joe served guests wine from local winery Hawk’s Mill of Browntown.

“This is good for all of us,” said Teresa Joranlien, who co-owns Hawk’s Mill with her husband, Ric.

Participants of the walk, Cindy Yoakum of Byron, Illinois, and Claudia Yoakum-Watson of Albany, could not have been more impressed by the event.

“It exceeded my expectations, and I would certainly come again,” Yoakum said. 

Yoakum-Watson agreed adding, “It’s good to be out and about. Great way to kick off summer.”

Also celebrating through the night’s festivities was Mike Gunderson of Davis, Ill. He was celebrating his 53rd birthday with his wife Marlisa. Mike, who bought nothing for himself, had purchased several things from among the stores for his wife.

“He enjoys seeing me happy,” Marlisa said.

“You have to enjoy the small things,” Mike said.