Stag and Doe Night: High school entrepreneurs soar at Chestnut Hill annual holiday shopping event

Stag and Doe Night tradition returns to Chestnut Hill, teen entrepreneurs get involved

Teen entrepreneurs are joining in on the holiday experience at 2023's Stag and Doe Night in Chestnut Hill.

CHESTNUT HILL - Folks braved the cold Wednesday night for the return of a fun annual event in Chestnut Hill.

FOX 29’s Dawn Timmeney gets the inside scoop on Stag and Doe Night, Chestnut Hill’s beloved holiday shopping tradition for small businesses in the area.

This year, young entrepreneurs are getting involved, hoping to make some extra money.

"Just lovely, like the community comes out. Everyone shops. The stores are open late. It's a great time to buy presents and it's really fun to run into neighbors...see Santa up and down and the music. It's fun," said shopper Rebecca Taylor.

Students from Springside Chestnut Hill Academy who started businesses as a part of the school’s entrepreneurial leadership center, have a pop-up shop at Stag and Doe night.

"Trying to see what it's like to actually meet customers and convince them to buy products is the best educational experience you can get," said Edward Glassman, SCH Executive Director, The Sands Center Entrepreneurial Leadership. "Way better than anything you can do in the classroom."

One senior showcased his landscaping business by selling gift certificates, while another tried getting his athletic brand IGB out there.

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Other high schoolers were selling handwoven goods from Cambodia for their non-profit, Sonas to America. All the profits will be going back to the village where they were made.

"It's just a great opportunity for us." said senior Brynn Donohue.

Fellow senior Marcus Rieker has hopes to expand his dad’s meat business in Philadelphia.

"Eventually the goal would be a food truck right here. We are starting with a small stand , see how it goes and get a basis from there," said Rieker.

Since folks were already lined up for a taste, Marcus might be up to something.

"This is the first step for me--so it's a pretty big deal tonight," said Rieker.

Dawn couldn’t pass up the opportunity to shop, but neither could two friends who say they come every year.

"You can get unique gifts and support the local economy as well and it's just beautifully entertaining," said Pat Tramontina. "There's wine and cheese in the stores. What could be wrong."

Stag and Doe Night runs every Wednesday through Christmas with stores staying open late for a unique and nostalgic holiday experience.