With Halloween over and the dawning of November, Auburn merchants turn their attention to the Thursday, Nov. 17, Auburn Traditional Christmas opening.
Business owners across Auburn will serve coffee and cookies and host open houses. Shoppers will be able to save money while getting an early start by visiting local retailers who will feature special holiday savings.
Again this year, spending $5 or more at five different participating retailers will earn shoppers the opportunity to win Chamber bucks. Shoppers will need to complete sticker cards that indicated they visited participating stores. Sticker cards must be turned into the Auburn Chamber of Commerce office at 1101 J St., Auburn City Hall by 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, for shoppers to be eligible for drawings.
The Chamber’s Retail Trade Committee is working hard to encourage local shopping by bringing the “tradition” back to the Auburn Traditional Christmas opening.
Businesses with open houses scheduled are: Lifetime Vision Center, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Flowers Plus, 4-7 p.m.; Flower Country and Gifts and Allison’s Pharmacy.
Santa Claus will arrive at Auburn City Hall at 5:30 p.m. via a fire truck. He will “magically” turn on the downtown Christmas lights shortly after his arrival, at about 5:35 p.m. St. Nicholas will visit with area youngsters at the Auburn City Council Chambers to hear their Christmas wishes. Children will also have the opportunity to have their photos taken by Mandy Hall with Mandy Hall Photography.
While waiting to visit with the visitor from the North Pole, there will be an old-fashioned Christmas party with various activities for children. The party is open to families and individuals of all ages. Coloring pages, story time, movies, Christmas cookie decoration, hot chocolate and other treats will be served.
Members of civic organizations, businesses, individuals and student groups are encouraged to volunteer for the event.