Johnny-O the Magician entertains those gathered at Saturday’s Who-liday Celebration in the War Memorial Building. Toni Milbourne

SHEPHERDSTOWN — The War Memorial Building bustled with holiday activity on the weekend as the Ho-Ho-Holiday Handmade Market filled the lower floor with potential treasures for shoppers and the upper ballroom hosted a “Who-liday Celebration” to offer thanks to those who visited and shopped locally.

In keeping with Dr. Seuss and the phrasing from The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, the tagline for the celebration boasted “A free event for the tall and the short: A thank you of sort…for all that local support.”

Presented by the Shepherdstown Visitor’s Center, the Shepherdstown Community Club and local businesses, the event welcomed magician Johnny O. for two shows to amaze families with his theatrical and magical talents. Whether it be linking rings with his magic or making balls disappear, the children and adults alike were captivated by his performances.

“This is an annual event on Saturday after the tree lighting,” said Judy Shepherd, who played hostess for the gathering, offering hot chocolate and cookies to those who came inside.

The smell of popcorn, too, drew many up the stairs to get a little taste of salty with the sweet.

Shepherd explained that the “thank you” event has been held for approximately eight to 10 years on what has come to be known as Small Business Saturday.

“Like so much, it was canceled last year,” Shepherd said, “so this is our first year back.”

In addition to the magic show, balloon animals were available, and children, along with their parents, could pose for photos with Santa Claus in front of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Many families took the opportunity to let their children tell the Jolly Old Elf know what was on their Christmas lists.

Parents and children took the time to enjoy a respite from visiting the local shops, as well as to get a reprieve from the cooler temperatures while enjoying the tasty treats provided. The respite has become a welcome addition to the schedule of many local holiday shoppers and is planned to continue in the years to come, to recognize all that the local residents’ support means to the businesses of Shepherdstown.