James City, Williamsburg, and York County officially introduced the new Edge District to the community during a series of ribbon-cutting ceremonies for select businesses located within the district on Thursday, July 29.
The Edge District is a joint initiative between the three localities that first began in 2019 to help revitalize and grow the area along Second Street and Merrimac Trail where James City, Williamsburg, and York meet. The Greater Williamsburg Business Council hosted the Running With Scissors event in collaboration with the Economic Development offices of the three jurisdictions to celebrate what is being described as an “Eatertainment” district for locals and tourists.
The event began at Copper Fox Distillery on Capitol Landing Road. Copper Fox Distillery first opened its Williamsburg location roughly six years ago. Williamsburg Mayor Doug Pons joined Copper Fox Distillery owner and CEO Rick Wasmund to cut the first ribbon. To celebrate, Copper Fox Distillery created a unique cocktail specifically for the event, which was dubbed “Running With Scissors.”
“I want to thank the city and the chamber for making The Edge District happen,” Wasmund said. “We are excited to be a small part of it, and to contribute to the community.”
Other businesses that also held ribbon-cutting ceremonies include Second Street Bistro, La Tolteca, 8 Shires Distillery, Moody’s Kitchen, Shorty’s Diner, Williamsburg Floral, Column 15, Casa Pearl, The Velvet Shoestring, and Cochon On Second.
“It’s a wonderful thing being a part of The Edge District,” said 8 Shires Distillery General Manager Tucker Casanova. “We wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
The penultimate stop was at Parkway Printshop, one of the newest businesses in The Edge District. Parkway Printshop also held a grand opening celebration of its new location during the event.
“We are looking forward to making this the happiest spot in town,” said Jared Chubb, owner of Parkway Printshop.
The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting at The Virginia Beer Company, which then hosted an after-hour business networking event, the first in-person networking event for the Greater Williamsburg Business Council since the pandemic began.