Dateline: December 8, 2005

Downtown merchants offer $200 jackpot

By Roger  Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Downtown Clarendon is the place to be as Late Night Shopping continues this Thursday with several merchants participating on Kearney Street until 8:30 p.m. and $200 in Christmas Cash up for grabs.

The Chamber of Commerce is supporting Late Night Shopping this year by giving away $100 in Christmas Cash each Thursday between now and Christmas. With no jackpot winner last week, the money has rolled over, and the pot now has $200.

Shoppers can register from 5 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. at any participating Christmas Cash merchant, and the drawing will be held at 8 p.m. You must be 18 years old to register. Five people will get a chance to spin the wheel for prizes from local merchants and the jackpot.

Last week’s winners were Cheryl Phillips, Scarlet Estlack, Amanda Smith, and Deana Phillips.

That jolly old elf – St. Nicholas – will be on the loose downtown this Thursday. Kids are encouraged to come tell him all their wishes, and parents are reminded to bring their cameras to get those memorable photos.

The Downtown Ministry Center will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. and will serve hot chocolate and refreshments.

Late Night Shopping will continue December 15 and December 22; and beginning next week, several merchants will be sponsoring a wagon to give free rides to kids of all ages.

Also next week, the Burton Memorial Library will hold its Open House with refreshments and caroling led by local Girl Scouts. The library will host photos with Santa on December 22.

Support your local merchants this holiday season, and watch for their Christmas specials and holiday hours in the pages of the Enterprise.