Black Rock businesses in Bridgeport are coming together to bring some seasonal fun to their neighborhood at a very trying time.

Chris Andrews has owned Tautog Tavern for 11 years. He recently got together with his neighbors and the Business Owners of Black Rock to deck out Fairfield Avenue with festive holiday decorations and outdoor seating.

It's ahead of what some business owners fear might be their last Christmas on Fairfield Avenue.

"If you can't get to break even, that's it. It's money out. So every day we come here, it's money out," Andrews said. "We need help from the community because we're not getting help from anywhere else."

He says the hope is to give the public a warm seasonal gathering space while driving traffic to businesses up and down the avenue.

"We want you to be outside. We want people to be safe," Andrews said. "But we have to survive. And walk down to the other business. Take that cup, walk down to the other businesses. Introduce yourself to the other business owners. Maybe if you don't buy anything, you get a friend, you come back when you feel safe."

Tim Gagne owns Varsity Barber Shop next door.

"We're still here, thankfully, by the skin of our teeth. But it's been horrible," he said.

Andrews says he was ready to close Tautog last week, but ultimately decided he couldn't give up on Christmas.