today for holiday event

By JAINE TREADWELL

Features Editor

If you’re planning to hurry off to the big city the day after Thanksgiving to do your holiday shopping, then, as the saying goes, "you’re backing up."

The best first-opportunity to get into the spirit of the holiday shopping season is right here at home – today – from 1 until 5 p.m. on the square in Troy.

Downtown merchants, artists and shoppers will celebrate Promenade Troy America with a traditional open house that is not quite so traditional this year.

Rather than "promenade" from one store to the other, the Pike County Chamber of Commerce Downtown Revitalization Committee has pulled together merchants and visual and performing artists to make Sunday afternoon one of the most interesting and enjoyable shopping experiences of the holiday season.

About two dozen

visual and performing artists will take part in the event.

Painters, sculptors and other visual artists will show their works in stores and shops around the square, said Mary Ann Casey, committee member. "Throughout the afternoon performing artists will provide entertainment that will add to the enjoyment of shopping in the atmosphere of small town America."

Will Thompson, a rising star in the music world, will open the Promenade with his rendition of "We Are America" which is caught the attention of CNN and is being played around the country as a tribute to those who were lost in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11 and the rebirth of patriotism in America.

"No one will want to miss this special performance," Casey said.

There will also be poetry readings and jam sessions to enjoy while taking a break from browsing.

Several activities have been planned for the children, including gingerbread cookie decorating, ornament decorating, pin the tail on the reindeer, face painting and, of course, Santa Claus is coming to town.

Most of the stores in the downtown area will be open and there will be door prizes and special galore, Casey said.

"Many of the stores will have refreshments and the jazz café in the lobby of Regions Bank will have cheesecake, cappuccino and hot chocolate," she said.

"Promenade Troy America is going to be a wonderful event and everyone is invited to the square this afternoon where we celebrate small town America and usher in the holiday season.