The annual Christmas open house sponsored by Sallisaw merchants and the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce will be held Nov. 21.

The open house will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on that Sunday.

Judy Martens, the chamber executive vice president, met with the merchants Tuesday and suggested the theme for this year's Christmas events in Sallisaw be "Christmas 2004, Remembering Family Traditions."

The merchants also discussed a new title for the open house, and leaned toward A Holiday Happening, Sallisaw Christmas Open House.

During the open house the merchants open their doors to the public on Sunday afternoon, have their businesses decorated for the holiday and serve light refreshments.

The popular event kicks off the Christmas season in Sallisaw.

The merchants discussed related events, including giving away door prizes at each store; having a grand prize which shoppers can vie for by visiting a certain number of merchants then leaving their entry at the chamber office at Cherokee and Wheeler Avenue; involving the restaurants in the event; providing maps which shoppers can pick up at the businesses or chamber and which will direct shoppers to all the businesses participating; and offering coupons for discounts.

Martens said chamber members will meet again to discuss the open house.

The annual Christmas parade will be held at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 4, Martens said. The chamber is planning a Santa's Workshop.