An event that began several years ago has slowly become a tradition for holiday shopping in the Brewton area.
The Greater Brewton Area Chamber of Commerce is making plans for the upcoming season with a 2011 Holiday Kickoff event.
The Chamber began the event several years ago as a promotion to attract business to the downtown area.
Judy Crane, executive director for the Chamber, said the event has now expanded to include other businesses in East Brewton, those on the northern side of Brewton, and south on South Boulevard.
“We are continuing a tradition with our chamber membership by promoting this event for the holiday shopping season,” Crane said. “Our hope and plan is that on Thursday, Nov. 17, Brewton and East Brewton residents will shop locally before making purchases out of town. The event will be from 4 to 8 p.m. to allow people to shop after they leave work.”
Business owners and managers have been asked  to join the Chamber and  begin making their plans for the shopping day.
Merchants are being asked to come up with some ideas of what they want to do at their business on Nov. 17.
Crane said some examples are holiday sales with a free drawing for a gift; sidewalk/boardwalk sales; open house with, or without, refreshments, a local school band, theater group or school choir; restaurants with special holiday menus; or entertainment of other kind.
“Our hopes are to continue a Chamber tradition,” Crane said. “On the Thursday before Thanksgiving this is our area’s opportunity to capture holiday dollars in a fun and entertaining way.
“We  want to help any of our members to include their business in any advertising we do for this event.”
Clay Lisenby, owner of Clayton L. Photography, a member of the Chamber, said plans are getting started and being discussed.
“Chamber members who are interested have until Oct. 19, to let organizers know they want to a part of the event,” Lisenby said. “We just met to come up with the date and it’s early yet to know just what will be going on at any one shop.”
Although many shop owners have not finalized plans or commitments, Lisenby is already planning his events.
“I know that I will have Santa at my studio,” Lisenby said. “I believe Weaver’s has decided to hold off on their October sale and have it during the holiday sale.”
Any merchant with questions about the holiday kickoff or for help in making plans, should call the Greater Brewton Area Chamber of Commerce at 867-3224.