EAST AURORA, N.Y. (WKBW) — East Aurorans are getting ready to showcase their quaint town once again!
"It is very homey and very warm," Maria Olsen said. "It will just promote more of that family feel and let others know what we offer here in Western New York."
About 175 film extras will be replicating the 52-year-long tradition of the "Carolcade" outside of Vidler's in the village for the movie.
Spots filled up quickly, but the Greater East Aurora Chamber of Commerce plans to update people ahead of the June 9 filming.
"It's wonderful, it's exciting," Victoria Sturman, Greater East Aurora Chamber of Commerce Executive Director said. "There's going to be so much fun. There is a lot of filming that is happening here in the village, beyond 'Carolcade.' It's going to be a great time and you're going to be excited to see a lot of the cameos that are going to be in it."
Not only has East Aurora been the backdrop for several Hallmark movies, but so has Vidler's.
Co-owner Cliff DeFlyer said the birth of the "Carolcade" began right in front of the store.
"A bunch of Girl Scouts were singing outside of Vilder's store, my uncle Ed embraced that idea, so the next year, he invited a bunch of his friends," DeFlyer said. "After 2-3 years, it grew into 2,000-3,000 people, shutting down Main Street out front."
The store's nostalgic vibes, including the old hardwood floors and candy counters, are what keep bringing Hallmark back.
With the historic Aurora Theatre just a hop and a skip away from the store, it brings even more excitement to those in the theatre arts realm.
"For the local talent that will be featured in this is just wonderful," Tracey Duffy, Executive Assistant to CEO of West Herr Auto Group, said. "It just brings so much energy to the village and also with the theatre celebrating its 100th year, and West Herr being part of the theatre, to keep it in the community for more years to come."
Any positive investment in East Aurora is music to Kris Baranello's ears.
"We are big Buffalo Bills fans, everyone is going to be watching it," Baranello said. "I think it will be great for the community and Go Bills."
"The East Aurora, Elma, Western New York area, there's a special closeness and family feel that you can't describe," Olsen said. "You have to experience it. Of course, Go Bills and Happy Birthday, Josh."
