A boot store. 

That's all Shannon Burdge's business was ever going to be. 

And, the roots of Burdge Boots and Boutique, 100 West Walnut St., Greencastle, can be traced back to the 2012 fair week. 

"Along with all the hustle and bustle of fair week, both kids needed new boots, so we loaded up and headed to Terre Haute to what was, at the time, pretty much the only option for kids boots. Sitting in the Goat Barn that week, it occurred to me that there were lots of families in the same situation. You had to load up and leave town to get work and western boots, so I said to Jason, "We should open a boot store." It took him like five seconds of thinking about it and he agreed, saying, "Yes, we should open a boot store," Burdge told The Putnam County Post. 

Burdge said they prayed about it and God opened every door. 

"I'm talking everything from that first thought in the goat barn to opening day just five months later on Dec. 12, 2012. He was doing His thing. We hooked up the livestock trailer and went to UPS at the airport and in the cold and dark loaded up hundreds of boots by hand to have them for our Opening Day, which we had already announced but our delivery hadn't come in yet," Burdge said. 

At the time, Burdge Boots opened in the Putnam Plaza, carrying only work, western, hunting and kids boots. 

However, there would be a change coming soon, according to Burdge. 

"It wasn't long and people were asking for more, so we added apparel and accessories, growing out of our space within five years and moving to our current location. And, with the move, we went from Burdge Boots to Burdge Boots and Boutique," Burdge said. 

The business will hold its Open House Saturday, Oct. 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and shoppers will have an opportunity to see all the work, western, and casual footwear for the family, as well as farm and ranch wear, workwear, Western Boho and small town, casual apparel, as well as fall new arrivals. 

In addition, Burdge said they will be debuting a new kids collection at the open house, which is inspired by a grandchild that is on the way. 

Burdge said the move to the current location was the best move ever. 

"We love being a part of the downtown shops and restaurants, the local events and that small town feel. Some of my favorite days are those where folks are walking around town, coffee in hand going from shop to shop, stopping for lunch and just enjoying the day. These are our people. Seriously, that's how it feels," Burdge said. 

Burdge said since opening, she has had the privilege of putting children in their very first pair of boots, and helped get 4-H kids ready for the fair and watched them in the Show Ring, all while serving as a member of the community. 

"We've seen them graduate school and come in for their first pair of work boots to start their lives as adults. From prom tuxedos to wedding suits, we have been there. I am suiting guys and their wedding parties up that I helped get ready for high school prom. We have watched many of you start your families and now are watching your babies grow up. We have shared in the losses too. We have had customers pass on and family of our customers pass and have mourned their losses along with them. So when I say these are our people, that's exactly how it feels and I want you to know what an impact you've made in our lives," she said. 
Burdge said she cannot thank those who have supported the business through the years, adding without the customers and community, the business would not be what it is today. 

"So with all of that said, I cannot wait to celebrate you on Saturday, Oct. 14 at our Open House," Burdge said. 

The festivities will include pulled pork lunch to the first 200 guests, as well as footwear giveaways every 15 minutes from brands such as: Irish setter, Justin, Keen, Thorogood, 
Double H, Smoky, Minnetonka and Flojo, as well as koozie, keychain and ballcap giveaways.