Saturday was the third annual "It's a Wonderful Life in the South Wedge Holiday Festival."

Residents like Joseph Pasquarelli believe the annual festival, put on by the Business Association of the South Wedge Area, is becoming a neighborhood tradition.

"Having this event gives people from outside our community a chance to see what's going on and the changes that are taking place inside our neighborhood," said Pasquarelli.

Organizers say one of the major goals of the festival is to celebrate area shops and restaurant and promote the district.

"All the businesses in the area do some sort of special today. So they do samplings, tastings, special deals to get people down and remind them the importance of shopping local," said Chris Jones, BASWA, Co-Chair.

Business owners like Jennifer Posey of Hedonist Artisan Chocolates and Ice Creams,
says she hopes her deals not only draw customers, but keep them shopping local.

"It's a chance to bring a lot of people down and show off what we do. All the businesses have something to offer and we have so many new businesses too that are eager to show the world what we do," said Posey.