Excelsior, Minnesota, is hosting its first Christmas in Excelsior. Brick-and-mortar shops, along with roughly 40 vendors, lined up on Water Street on Saturday.

"We just love the store," said Sharon Dahlstrom, owner of Fleurish. "I am learning that it's not easy to run."

Her store is one of many that line Water Street, overlooking Lake Minnetonka.

Christmas in Excelsior was organized by the local Lions Club, hoping to draw crowds to the area and support local businesses.

"Keeping shopping local is super important to help the businesses thrive, to keep the economy alive, to keep the city alive," said Jimm Flattum, president of Excelsior Lions Club.

The vendors told WCCO they're aware people could buy goods from Walmart, the grocery store and online — but when you spend money with them,

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