Jitters: Light Up Holidays Parade Always Busiest Day Of Year

JOLIET, IL — For years, Joliet's Light Up the Holidays Parade the day after Thanksgiving was always the busiest day of the year for Gina Duffy and her Jitters Coffeehouse at 178 North Chicago St. But that recently changed thanks to the film production crew with The Big Leap.

"Those people were so supportive, it was amazing," Duffy said. "But normally, the parade day is our busiest day of the year."

Still, Jitters Coffeehouse expects to ring up more than 1,000 orders Friday as the city gears up for the ceremonial tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. followed by the parade shortly afterward.

The parade passes right by Jitters and that's why downtown Joliet's best known coffeehouse is geared for an incredibly busy time.

"It's going to be a good day to get a hot beverage," remarked Duffy.

Santa Claus will be at Jitters from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Jitters will be having coloring contests throughout the day for all age groups, Duffy said.

Besides espresso drinks, Jitters expects to sell plenty of hot chocolate, pastries, mini-sandwiches, grilled cheese and even peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

"We try to make it a kid friendly menu that day," Duffy said.

Throughout the day, Jitters expects to sell "over 1,000 drinks. For downtown Joliet, that's a lot," Duffy said.