BY MATT LINDSEY
North Country This Week

MASSENA — Downtown Florist, which recently celebrated its 15th year in business, will hold a “Customer Appreciation Day” Oct. 24 with a giveaway and refreshments.

“It’s always been my passion,” said owner Patty Wells.

She said she and her husband decided to clean up the corner of Andrews and Orvis streets a decade and a half ago when they purchased the 67 Andrews St. location.

Wells attended Vermont Academy of Floral Design to learn the ropes of running the business.

Wells says she “works well” with her lead designer and wedding coordinator Shelly LaBarge.

Together they arrange flowers for all occasions including weddings, funeral, birthdays, anniversaries and of course, “just because” flowers.

“We like making people smile — getting flowers, it just makes their day,” she said.

Wells said they strive to offer flowers for any budget and “take pride in having the freshest flowers that are delivered five days a week.”

To compliment floral arrangements, the shop sells chocolates, plants, solar crosses and angels and the newly popular silk saddle memorials.

“They are becoming more popular because they don’t have to be replaced,” she said.

The customer appreciation day takes place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. There will be a drawing for a holiday centerpiece of the winner’s choosing.

For more info, see their Facebook page at bit.ly/30Cv0JO.

“This would not be possible without continued support from our community,” Wells said. “It’s been a pleasure serving.”