- November 15, 2024
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This is the fourth year in a row that the business owners at European Village funded fireworks to celebrate the facilities anniversary. Photo by Anastasia Pagello
Vince Cautero provided the entertainment Sunday night and sang European Village "Happy Birthday" during the firework show. Photo by Anastasia Pagello
At 9 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21 , fireworks erupted over European Village to celebrate its ten-year anniversary. Photo by Anastasia Pagello
Robert Rogers, Cydy Palang, Joyce Connolly with owners of Burrito 101 and Chophouse 101 Laura, Lee and Sara Barnes. Photo by Anastasia Pagello
The venor count went up from 54 to 60 on the European Village's ten-year anniversary. Courtesy photo by Joyce Connolly
Many vendors stayed the majority of the day and through the evenings fireworks on Sunday, Feb 21. Courtesy photo by Joyce Connolly
An estimated 4,500 people visited European Village on Sunday to help celebrate its turning of one decade. Courtesy photo by Joyce Connolly
Courtesy photo by Joyce Connolly
The European Village, along with seven of its original businesses, turned 10-years-old on Sunday, Feb. 21. An all-day community celebration was held, and featured around the new Gourmet Farmers Market, which boasted 60 vendors, kids bounce houses, live entertainment and an evening firework show.
“Considering all the problems we may encounter as business owners, being too busy is a great problem to have.” LEE BARNES, co-owner of Burrito 101 and Chophouse 101
Even through a rollercoaster economy, which has rocked Palm Coast’s businesses throughout the years, European village has remained intact. Some of the business owners speculate that European Village is currently climbing the charts and has received tremendous foot-traffic throughout the last few weeks.
“When we first opened our businesses here, in 2012, at European Village, there was a lot of disparity from the other pre-existing businesses,” said Laura Barnes, co-owner of Burrito 101 and Chophouse 101. “Not including our businesses, there were only seven other places open at that time.”
As Laura stood in the soft light of the village’s courtyard, she spun in a slow circle while counting all the businesses that remained open almost until 10 p.m. on Sunday.
“Tonight I am looking around and realize the transition that the European Village Commercial Association has made. The business count has more than doubled that of just four years ago. The association has brought this place a long way.”
The Barnes, along with many of the local residents, aspire European Village to be the heart of Palm Coast’s entertainment and to make the location a vacation destination hotspot.
“Not only has European Village gained over 10 new and flourishing businesses, but just within the last year 100 percent of the apartments have been occupied,” said Lee Barnes, co-owner of Burrito 101 and Chophouse 101. “Now with implementing this new farmers market we no longer have a day off. Sundays used to be the slowest day; now suddenly it has become our busiest and we can no longer leave our staff unattended. Considering all the problems we may encounter as business owners, being too busy is a great problem to have.”
The association plans to keep the flow of visitors strong by adding weekly events to the agenda. Business owners have raised many ideas, such as a monthly wine-walk and bringing back reggae Wednesday. Coming this fall the association has tentative plans to have dueling grand pianos placed in the center of the courtyard.
To remain up-to-date on the European Village’s events visit european-village.com.
