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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around Brewton and area merchants are gearing up for a special kick off celebration for the holiday season.

The Greater Brewton Area Chamber of Commerce works with merchants each year at this time to help promote the idea of shopping locally for the holidays.

“We have been doing this at this time of year for several years,” said Judy Crane, executive director for the Chamber. “We do this the Thursday evening before Thanksgiving every year to help our local merchants kick off the holiday shopping season.”

Each business comes up with their own ideas on how to best celebrate the event, Crane said.

“We are happy to help promote their plans and encourage people to shop locally throughout the season,” Crane said. “There will be plenty of special events happening throughout the businesses in Brewton.”

That event is planned to begin at 4 p.m. at area merchants with most staying open for the event until 8 p.m.

“We ask people to be safe during this event,” Crane said. “We encourage everyone to wear masks, observe social distancing and just be safe. We want to continue to promote and have events in the area and as long as public health officials allow that to happen, we want to be a part of that.”

Entertainment for the evening will include a special performance by the Brewton Twirlstars. Two performances are planned at 6 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. in front of David’s Catfish House on Douglas Avenue.

Merchants are planning special sales, prize giveaways, entertainment and even refreshments.

Food will also be available during the evening with Pig Daddy’s BBQ set up at Antigone’s downtown as well as at the Habitat Restore location on Douglas Avenue. Just Nonnie’s Sweet Shop will be on hand at Herrington’s the Florist’s location on Douglas Avenue and will have gourmet apples, marshmallow pops, dipped pretzels and more with a portion of the proceeds going to the Yancey Jernigan Foundation. George’s Barbecue will also be serving their turkey and dressing egg rolls, barbecue and more near Herrington’s as well. Paula Pettis will be selling cake pops and Emily Dailey of Avenue Cookies will be on hand with hand-decorated goodies at Wendy Folmar’s State Farm agency at 709 Douglas Avenue.

Antigone’s in historic downtown Brewton is located at 110 St. Joseph Ave., will be offering 20 percent off storewide during the event. There will be giveaways throughout the evening and a $200 gift card giveaway will be done. Masks will be provided and are encouraged.

L House Photography at 716 Douglas Ave., is offering a different opportunity to see Santa this year. Children are encouraged to bring their letter to Santa and have a photo made while delivering it safely in person through the window. Clay Lisenby, owner of L House Photography, is asking that you bring an unwrapped new toy valued at $10 or more, or make a $10 contribution to benefit the Christmas Project when you bring your letter to Santa. Information on purchasing photos will be provided at the event.

Wendy Folmar – State Farm, at 709 Douglas Avenue, will have bottled water and 2021 calendar giveaways during the evening. Brooke Hammack will have her line of Allure Beauty Bars available at the location.

Jus Do, at 720 Douglas Avenue, will be open until 8 p.m. with storewide sales all day at 20 percent off. Brewton Civic League will be on hand to offer their cookbooks for sale. Murder Creek Metals will also be on hand with unique, handmade jewelry.

Escambia County Habitat for Humanity Restore, at 1606 Douglas Ave., will be open for extended shopping time. The store offers all purchases with no sales tax.

Talula Belle’s, located at 707 Douglas Ave., will have the ‘Spin the Wheel’ going for special savings throughout the evening. There will be refreshments available as well.

Presley’s Custom Leather and Knives, at 624 Douglas Ave., will have great gift items to choose from including handmade leather goods and custom embroidery items as well.

The Gray Loft, 624 Douglas Ave., will be open late offering their specialized selection of scrubs and uniforms.

Brewton Weaver’s, in historic downtown Brewton at 115 St. Joseph Ave., will be offering a free Kona Ice to the first 100 customers. Special discounts of 10, 20 and 30 percent will be given on the first three items purchased. Red tag items will be 50 percent off for this event.

Bonehead Boots, in downtown Brewton at 118 Mildred Street, will be open with special savings throughout the store.

Herrington’s, The Florist, at 719 Douglas Ave., will have a special 20 percent off sale for the event.