January 30, 2010

While folks were in amazement at the snowfall Charlottesville saw in December, and many people said Saturday that the amount of snow got old quickly.

With this snowstorm's total looking much more manageable, people on the Downtown Mall said, "Let it snow."

The Charlottesville Trolley chugs through the mall with little issue -- just one indication that the snowfall may slow traffic down, but traffic won't stop.

"After that last snow, this is nothing," Charlottesville resident Tom Daly said.

"A lot more popular than last time," said John-Michael Triana, another Charlottesville resident.

Looking around the mall, about half the stores were open Saturday afternoon. Store owners were confident that this go-around, shoppers will be out.

"I've seen more cross country skiers than shoppers," said Charlottesville resident Allan Thompson.

The holiday punch that slammed Charlottesville in December left the Downtown Mall packed with snow drifts, not shoppers. Almost all the stores remained closed.

The problem that faced many shoppers during the holiday punch was the roads. Saturday, shoppers, skiers and runners said roads were clear, for the most part.

Not everyone packed the restaurants and stores on the mall. Some people decided to let themselves stay snowed in.

But most shared the attitude that as long as their cars can be dug out by Monday, enjoying the snow is on Saturday's schedule.