'Tis the season, and the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce isn't letting summer-like temperatures and the lack of Christmas snow slow events down.

Judy Martens, chamber executive vice president and chief elf, is rounding up the merchants, the lights, the parade entries and most likely the reindeer and the head elf himself, Santa Claus, in preparation for the city's holiday season.

Christmas Lighting

"To kick off the holiday season, the chamber will be sponsoring the annual Christmas Lighting in the usual traditional fashion by serving hot chocolate and cookies on the lawn of the library, while Christmas tunes are sung, compliments of all the Sallisaw Schools vocal music groups," Martens said.

The festivities will begin at Stanley Tubbs Memorial Library in downtown Sallisaw at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

Martens said the choral groups will begin performing at 6:30 p.m. and Mayor Shannon Vann will flick the switch to set the town aglow in Christmas lights at 7 p.m.

"As usual," Martens said, "Santa will arrive shortly after the lights are turned on and will be seated in the gazebo for all the children to visit. This is always a great time of community togetherness, so don't miss it."

In addition, Sonic Drive-In and Bikers Making A Difference have received permission from the chamber to set up toy collection boxes at the lighting ceremony for donations to children who may not have a special gifting Christmas. Sonic Drive-In will be giving away free soft drink coupons to all donors.

Open House

Martens said, "The Sallisaw merchants will host their annual Merchants' Christmas Open House from 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 20. As was done last year, the chamber will sponsor the gift basket giveaway to encourage people to get out and shop with the hope of winning a basket full of gifts and gift certificates worth hundreds of dollars.

"Last year," Martens said, "there was only one basket as a prize. This year, the chamber and all participating merchants hope to give away four baskets, worth over $200 each."

Martens said the following merchants are participating. They are listed with the gifts they have donated for the prize drawing.