Business Owner Elusive Elf Behind Hastings' Free Holiday Parking

Every year around mid-December, Hastings residents look forward to seeing those red bags covering downtown parking meters—signifying that they're free to shop, stroll or eat without having to worry about running out to re-feed the meters for two hours.

But how do those bags get there?

Resident and owner Teresa Caruso has been "bagging the meters" for almost 20 years now—a job she inherited from her mother-in-law Nancy Caruso.

"I've done it every year but one," Caruso said. "And the one time I didn't, all the bags flew off."

Caruso and her husband Bill believe the village's willingness to forgo parking fees for two weeks is a goodwill gesture that helps promote downtown shopping and Hastings' small businesses—like Festivities, which sells both seasonal ornaments and gifts for all occasions.

Before the Carusos opened Festivities on Main Street, Bill's parents owned a luncheonette during the '70s, his mom owned a card shop in the '80s and his brother ran a print shop. The couple's 'newest' business venture in Hastings has been around since the 1990's. 

"I'm not sure whether the free parking actually increases revenue for business owners, but it certainly sends a message that Hastings supports small business," Bill said.

Customer Laura Murphy, who stopped in to buy some glazed fruit as gifts, said "I've been a Hastings resident since I was born. I definitely appreciate it."

Teresa Caruso tied the red bags to meters last Sunday—an unseasonably warm day for December. "I have my route and my own technique I've developed over the years. People always stop me and thank me for the service I'm doing."

Her husband added: "I think it says, 'Shop in Hasting, not at the mall. Here you get two hours of free parking.'"

Does free parking make you more likely to shop in Hastings during the holiday season? Do you believe it's worth the potential loss in revenue to the village?