Shop, eat, walk and win prizes this weekend at Beacon Hill’s Spring Eternal Stroll. From May 22-23rd, 10 am to 6pm, community members can visit shops and businesses for the chance to win local goods.

“The idea is to get people out and about, safely,” said Mark Duffield, who is the driving force behind the event.

At each of the 35 participating stores, residents can pick up an entry card, designed by Geraldine O’Hagan and Elizabeth Seghezzi of Rugg Road Paper Company.

After visiting a minimum of 13 stores to qualify for a prize, all cards can be dropped off at Upstairs Downstairs Antiques on 69 Charles Street. No purchase is necessary. Those who visit more than 13 stores will be entered into a separate drawing.

“We’re just hoping to seize the spring and try to bring back a little happiness and joy to everybody, and a sense that we can build and get back to the way things were,” said Duffield.

Duffield is a long time Beacon Hill resident and former co-owner of Blackstone’s of Beacon Hill. In 2009 and 2010, Duffield had helped organize similar events to support local business. The past year has been difficult for shops everywhere and Beacon Hill has been no exception. Since the start of the pandemic, 20 businesses have closed along Charles Street. Duffield wasn’t alone in looking for ways to help out his community.

“When I was asked by several businesses to try and come up with something, of course I volunteered immediately,” Duffield said.

“These are all mom and pop businesses, basically, who are hanging on by a thread. I said, ‘Well, I’ll be the thread you can hold on to.’ At least let’s see what we can do.”

When word spread, stores quickly reached out to get involved.

Duffield approached the Beacon Hill Business Association, Beacon Hill Civic Association and Beacon Hill Village, all of whom became organizing partners.

“We all want Charles Street as a neighborhood shopping center and a place to stroll,” said Allan Hodges, president of Beacon Hill Village.

“The whole idea of this is to raise awareness that the businesses are there. They need our support and we’re willing to give it,” Hodges said.

In the day and age of online shopping, it’s easy to overlook local stores. But for many, Charles Street remains a place to turn to for both necessities and pleasantries.

“I don’t need go online and order my things, I can walk down and shop on the street,” said Frank Mead, president of Beacon Hill Village.

City Council Kenzie Bok, State Representative Jay Livingston and Interise CEO Darrell Byers will kick off the stroll at noon on Saturday in front of Charles Street Supply.

Duffield and sponsoring organizations anticipate a successful weekend of visiting new stores and seeing familiar faces.

“My only regret is that we couldn’t include every store. Next year, if this becomes an annual event like we hope it will, we can do a better job of including everybody,” Duffield said.