Dateline: December 11, 2008

Late Night money up to $400 this Thursday

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

A total of $400 in Christmas Cash will be available during Late Night Shopping in Downtown Clarendon this Thursday.

The pot doubled after four lucky shoppers took a turn at the wheel for their share of $200 last week, but no one landed on either of the $100 jackpot spots.

Buster Gray, Annette Haygood, Kristin White, and Trina Wright spun the wheel and took home prizes from Clarendon Steakhouse, Lowe’s Family Center, Clarendon Auto Supply, and Sonic Drive-In.

Several merchants on Kearney Street will be staying open until 8:00 p.m. for your holiday shopping convenience, and prizes from several local businesses will be on the wheel in addition to the jackpot money. The Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Merchants Association are each providing $100 in Christmas Cash each Thursday between now and Christmas.

Five lucky winners will be drawn throughout the night; and if no one hits the big money, the pots roll over and will continue to do so until the final night of Late Night Shopping on December 18 when someone will win the money. You must be 18 years old to register, but no purchase is necessary.

A new event for this week’s Late Night Shopping will be the Chili Challenge Cookoff for adults and kids.

After Monday’s sign-up deadline, adult teams will compete at the Burton Memorial Library; and youth teams will be at the Girl Scout office. The public is invited to enjoy chili from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at either location. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door for $1.00. You cannot purchase tickets from youth or adult participants. One ticket gets you a three-ounce taste of chili. Crackers and water/tea are served with taste of chili. Three tickets get you a bowl of chili. Crackers, water or tea, and a piece of dessert are included with a bowl of chili.

Entertainment will be Mrs. Boone’s fourth and fifth grade kids will entertain with Christmas music, and Santa Claus will be making appearances around the downtown merchants.

Refreshments this week will be in the Downtown Ministry Center.

Holiday shopping at home is easy and affordable with all three local banks again teaming up to provide zero-percent interest “Christmas Cash” loans this year. For the 14th year, anyone can make application for a loan up to $3,000 interest free with Community Bank, the Donley County State Bank, or Herring Bank.

Your local merchants support your local schools, youth groups, and charitable organizations. Support the businesses who support your community by shopping at home this holiday season, and watch for their Christmas specials in the pages of the Enterprise.