The second week of It’s a White County Christmas kicks off on Friday, November 21 with a Holiday Shopping Stroll that will run through Saturday, November 22. Those shopping at participating businesses can enter to win a prize package that includes a six piece Willow Tree Nativity from The Courtyard, gift certificate from H.D. Bean’s Jewelers, gift certificate from Logo Graphics, gift certificate and Angelia bracelet from Middle Sister’s, Red 8.5 inch Flat Wick Oil Lamp from Karger Kollectibles, a lamp from Rush Appliance, Merle Norman Bush Essentials set and Madame Alexander Winter Wonderland Doll from Merle Norman Cosmetics and Boutique and merchandise picked by Stein’s Flowers.
“Research shows us that 68% of money spent at a locally owned businesses stays in the community. The Chamber of Commerce urges you to participate in the Holiday Shopping Stroll and asks that you shop Carmi first before heading out of town to purchase gifts,” noted Chamber Director Holly Healy. “I also want to thank these businesses for participating in the stroll,” noted Healy.
Friday will also include a number of events. The White County HCE Chocolate Tasting will be from 4-7 p.m. at the White County Farm Bureau. A number of chocolates will be available for your enjoyment.
A Gospel Sing will be held at 6 p.m. Cherry Street Baptist Church featuring Kelsi Kessler, Chris Marsh, Peyton Dale and the Peyton Sisters. To show appreciation for the use of their facility, Healy is urging those attending to bring a non perishable food item to donate to the Church’s food pantry.
On Friday, Gingerbread Homes are to be turned in between noon and 3 pm at the Chamber office. The contest is open to any resident of White County. Individuals or groups may enter. Entry forms are available online at www.whitecountychristmas.com or by calling the Chamber office at 382-2662.
The Gingerbread House Decorating Contest is brought to you by Jingle Bell Sponsors Hayley Production Company LLC, Carmi Lions Club, Banterra Bank, Eastern Services, Carmi Kiwanis Club and Southeastern Illinois College.
Saturday, November 22 will also include several events in addition to the Holiday Shopping Stroll. The Wabash Chapter DAR Festival of Trees will be held from 9 am – 3 pm at the Old National Bank Community Room. At 10 am the Reindeer Run, which benefits Jefferson School and is sponsored by First Bank, will take off from the First Bank parking lot.
The White County Senior Citizens will be having a soup lunch, at a cost of $8 per person, beginning at 10:30 am and running until 1:30 pm. The Tumble Time Booster Club will be hosting a chili luncheon fundraiser at the First United Methodist Church from 11 am – 1 pm. At 2pm, First Bank will host Family Feud at the First United Methodist Church as registered teams play for charity.
As we look ahead, entries are still needed for the Lighted Christmas Parade on November 29 at 6 p.m. Entry forms are available by visiting whitecountychristmas.com or calling the Chamber office at 618-382-7606.
It’s a White County Christmas is produced by the Carmi Chamber of Commerce and brought to you in part by Festival Sponsors Brown’s Fertilizer and Chemical and Geo. N. Mitchell Drilling.