A group of downtown merchants are hoping to bring attention to the offerings found locally by holding a special event being dubbed as “Downtown Deals” on the evening of April 7.

Clay Lisenby, owner of L House Photography and an organizer for the event, said plans for the event will continue through the upcoming week.

“In efforts to boost sales this spring, locally owned retail businesses in the downtown area have organized a spring event similar to our Downtown Christmas,” Lisenby said. “Businesses participating in ‘Deals Downtown’ will extend shopping hours until 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 7 and offer special discounts to encourage customers to shop locally before heading out of town on spring break.”

In addition to discounts and special offers during the evening, Lisenby said shoppers will have an opportunity to enter for a special basket to be given away at the end of the event.

“In addition to the specials and sales being offered during the event, we will also be holding a drawing for an Easter Basket filled with gift certificates and merchandise from downtown businesses,” Lisenby said. “The total value of the Easter basket is over $250 with a combination of gift certificates and items from participating merchants included in the basket. For every $25 spent during ‘Deals Downtown’ the customer will receive one entry for the Easter basket drawing. There is no limit on the number of entries, so the more you spend, the better your chances are to win.”

The Easter Bunny will be on hand for photos with children of all ages during the evening as well at The L House.

Currently, eight merchants are planning participation in the evening of specials, discounts and activities. Participating merchants are Changing Seasons, Antigones, The L House Printing & Photography, Southern Heirlooms, Weavers/ Shades of Gray, The Treasure Chest, Tea Party Boutique and Bonehead Boots.

“It’s great to see those who have been contact so eager to participate,” Lisenby said. “It’s nice to know that local business owners are willing to join together to help each other when times get tough.”

Lisenby said the event will hopefully get shoppers out to local businesses before spring break.

“We wanted to do something as a reminder to the public that we are here and we want their business,” Lisenby said. “We hope to do something like this seasonally to bring attention to our local business community.”

The “Deals Downtown” event is being coordinated by participating merchants with help from organizers Lisenby and Candy Smith with Weavers/Shades of Gray. For details or to join other participants, merchants may contact Lisenby or Smith.