Geneva party store closing with many fond memories
Whether it's a feather boa, gold pirate doubloons, an Austin Powers cutout or even ordinary party plates, for years Tri-Cities residents could pop into Party Setters and be fairly certain they could get what they needed.
The store has been a fixture in downtown Geneva (just west of the intersection of Second and State streets) for more than two decades. Ghosts and creatures beckon from the front window in October; Santa waves at Christmas. All the festive events of life -- birthdays, graduations, Father's Day among them -- are represented in turn.
But now, after 22 years, that go-to party store is closing. Owner Sharon Wisniowski is turning out the lights and retiring.
Shoppers and party-givers are mourning the departure.
"I'm amazed at how people are responding," Wisniowski said. "I've gotten plants, I've gotten cookies. People have come in just to say goodbye."
Wisniowski started the business with her sister, who died more than a decade ago. Wisniowski herself suffers from multiple sclerosis and dealing with that illness helped prompt her to make the retirement decision.
"I do have a little bit more trouble these days," she said, adding she decided she'd "better get out while the getting's good."
A company is handling selling all the store's merchandise and Wisniowski hopes everything's closed out in November.
"We'll go through Halloween for sure," she promised.
And never fear, ghoul-lovers. The store is still fairly well stocked for that holiday.
"We do costuming all year," Wisniowski pointed out. "I didn't really stop buying our everyday costumes -- boas, wigs, shoes. I never stopped keeping everything stocked. So our staples, our basic stuff is still pretty good."
That's good news for everyone looking to create that perfect Halloween costume.
But people celebrating special events who want the added fun of festive balloons aren't so lucky. Unfortunately, balloons have not been available at the store for the past month or so.
"We always handled balloons," said Wisniowski. "We have had very good, very loyal customers and they're shocked we're not doing balloons anymore."
Believe it or not, that has nothing to do with closing the store.
"I'll be doggoned if there isn't a helium shortage," Wisniowski said. That supply shortage -- and it's growing, by the way -- coincided with her decision to close the store.
Much more than costume wear is on sale, of course. Everything's on the sale block, from the large props, the machines that dispensed frozen ice, margaritas, popcorn and cotton candy, tables, chairs, and, oh yes, the merchandise. All the mannequins already have been snapped up.
And Wisniowski is saying goodbye to it all, with mixed emotions and memories of her sister. "You feel like you're letting go of things," she said.
It will be a different Christmas this year without the lifelike Santa in the window that, years ago, my then-small kids used to wave at when we drove past.
At least there's one more Halloween to go. Perhaps we need another boa or two.
bbales@ameritech.net