Grayslake small business group growing, hosting a wine walk

A just-formed group of Grayslake small business owners hosted its first event, a window-decorating competition, on Black Friday to coincide with the village tree lighting. Now, the Downtown Grayslake Small Business Group is looking to warmer weather for its next program - a wine walk in March.

In between, the group has grown with four new businesses, according to Mellysa Kaniok, one of the founders.

"It's been great," she said, "it feels like the idea's been catching on and people understand what we are trying to do, to bring people downtown."

They hope to do just that with the Shop 'n' Swirl Wine Walk, planned for 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 9.

For $25, patrons get a commemorative wineglass and the opportunity to get it filled up at as many of the 16 participating businesses as they want. In addition to serving wine, many shops will be serving snacks or offering special pricing and other deals for shoppers.

"We have this great downtown in Grayslake and I don't think as many people know it's here," Kaniok said. "I hope people come see the downtown and see there's many small businesses here."

Tickets for the wine walk can be purchased at the Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum or at grayslakeshopnswirl.eventbrite.com until the day before the event. The price jumps to $30 on March 9.

"The money raised by this event will support our summer historic music series, living history presentations for students and new exhibits that bring local history to life," said Michelle Poe, the executive director of the Heritage Center and a founding member of the small business group.

There will also be a raffle for gift baskets donated by participating small businesses.

The Downtown Grayslake Small Business Group was started in September by Poe; Kaniok, who runs Closet Traders; Amy McCully, who owns Grayslake's Paris Hair Design; Janet Elliott, who owns This Old Book; and Grayslake Trustee Elizabeth Davies.