prepare for Open House

By BETH LAKEY

Staff Writer

Oct. 30, 2000 10 PM

BRUNDIDGE ­ Before the Thanksgiving turkey is even put away, Brundidge merchants will be celebrating Christmas.

On Nov. 16, merchants will have their annual Open House on Main Street.

This is a chance for merchants to open their doors in a more casual setting than the everyday work hours.

Gary Hester, president of the Brundidge Business Association, said several businesses on Main Street will be open so shoppers can begin getting those Christmas presents.

"We’ll have some good specials," Hester said of the sale prices.

It will also be a good time to bend ol’ Santa’s ear while he’s there. All the children ­ old and young, alike ­ can whisper their wishes into the jolly old elf’s ear after wandering through the shops downtown.

But, the Christmas season will officially begin with the annual Christmas lighting ceremony on Nov. 24 in Brundidge.

"Our lights are close to 50 years old," said Rue Botts, who is helping to organize the event.

And, what’s a Christmas party without singing? There will be plenty of singing the night after Thanksgiving.

In the glow of the lights, residents of Whittington Manor will join the crowd to sing Christmas carols.

That’s always one of the highlights since caroling is more of a tradition of the past, Botts said.

"It’s a laid-back event," Botts said. "That’s how we do most things in Brundidge."

Botts said there will also be plenty of apple cider and tea cakes to fill those tummies.

Botts is expecting the usual crowd to gather for the festivities.

"We usually have a really good crowd," Botts said.