Several businesses in uptown California stayed open just a little bit later to show off their flair and give deals to passersby April 25 at An Evening Out on Oak Street.
The doors were open at Grind, The Ruffled Hem, Winding Road Gifts and Interiors, and Sugar and Spice Bakery. Curious shoppers were able to wander through The Gathering Place to visit with local vendors. Those needing a bit of pampering were even able to get a free nail polishing and/or massage by a team from Exhale Spa.
Julie Bolinger, owner of Winding Road Gifts and Interiors, said she was excited to see a successful turnout for An Evening Out.
"I hope to see some more businesses develop downtown," she said. "There are a lot of good ideas floating around that can be set up."
Bolinger had a guest in one portion of her shop. Ann Grotjan from Ann Grotjan Pottery gave demonstrations on how to make stoneware pottery.
First, Grotjan rolled a dogwood flower flat with a rolling pin to be compressed and eventually glazed onto a clay plate.
"It's decorative and functional," Grotjan said of her creation. "You can serve food or eat out of it."
A new business to open May 6 was also present to pitch their ideas to the community.
Glenda Richardson and Jenny Cain realized there was a need for a group fitness zone in California, a place that could offer a wide array of classes at different levels of physical capabilities.
Thus: Elevate Fitness Studio was born.
"It's new!" Cain said. "Like a baby."
Elevate will offer three types of yoga, basic barre, strength and cardio, and other classes for fitness enthusiasts of all levels to better their stamina and overall health. Classes will be offered at various times of each day to better accommodate busy schedules.
"Weight loss isn't the goal," Richardson said. "It's all about making yourself better. For 45-60 minutes, you can just come in and zone out and forget about your day."
"But no one needs to worry about their age," she said. "It's based on your fitness level, not your age. I mean, if I can do it, you can do it."
The community gathering reminded Kayle Kiesling, owner of Exhale Spa, of how much California has grown since the early '90s.
"California has changed so much since we were kids," Kiesling said.
Bolinger added: "I'm so happy to see California becoming something a little more."