The holiday season arrives in Sallisaw when Sallisaw merchants host their annual Merchants' Christmas Open House from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, with refreshments and gifts provided by the participating merchants.
The merchants are providing $25 in Chamber Bucks which will be given away every hour. In addition, the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce, which co-sponsors the Christmas Open House with Your TIMES, will be giving away door prizes and five holiday baskets. Judy Martens, chamber executive vice president, said the chamber will sponsor a gift basket giveaway to encourage people to shop in Sallisaw with the hope of winning a basket full of gifts and gift certificates worth hundreds of dollars.
Martens said this year entering the basket giveaway will be different from last year. This year participating merchants will have entry forms at their businesses, and shoppers will fill out the entry forms at the participating business. The merchants will provide a box where the completed entry forms will be placed, and the drawings for the gift baskets will be done at the chamber.
Delanna Nutter, Your TIMES advertising manager, said the popular Christmas Open House is a great time to begin Christmas shopping by supporting local merchants who offer beautiful and unique gifts, as well as refreshments for the strolling shoppers. Local restaurants will also be opening their doors for shoppers.
The participating merchants are:
Karen's Krafts and GiftsRamblin Rob's MusicBrenda's FlowersTractor SupplySimple Simon's PizzaCharlie's ChickenMaria's Mexican RestaurantSonic Drive-InHardee'sLong John Silvers/A&W Root BeerSharpe's Department StoreSammy's Taco RanchFactory ConnectionOle South restaurantThe Green HouseAroma's Coffee ShopCaporalesFelt's ShoesWestern Sizzlin restaurantMazzio'sWhite's JewelryU Design itSubwayBody Works SpaChildren's Advocacy CenterKeith's Detail ShopLisa's FlowersBack to the PastBonita's Bibles and BooksThe Flower CottageMartens said that Larry and Marylynn Lufkin will again be offering horse-drawn carriage rides during the day.