Last weekend downtown Havana transformed into a Winter wonderland, signifying the beginning of the holiday season.
As merchants all over downtown Havana decorated their shops for the holidays, Havana Main Street, in partnership with local businesses, hosted a special weekend shopping event.
Friday evening, the festivities kicked off with the arrival of Jolly Old Saint Nicholas, followed by the lighting of the town Christmas Tree.
Christmas songs played in the background–some performed live–as the town’s people gathered at the corner of North Main Street and Seventh Avenue. Many sat on blankets enjoying cups of hot chocolate.
On Saturday, November 11 and Sunday, November 12, merchants placed a gold star in their window to show their participation in the Holiday Open House, and shoppers could register for a chance to win a $50, $150, or $300 gift certificate.
The drawing was held at 5 p.m. Sunday, November 12 by the recently unveiled Christmas tree.
The third place winner, for $50, was Martha Sheetz.
Coming in second for $150 was Elaine Nicoloso, and in first place, for the grand prize of $300, was K. Richardson.
Participating shops included: The Antique and Design Center, A&S Antiques, Broken Shell Boutique, Coon Bottom Farms Country Store, Havana Mercantile, Heroes & Villains, Katie’s Cakes, Kellums Furniture, Painted Pineapple, Penelope’s Place, Antiques and Artisans, Roosters Roasters, Wanderings, Weekend Finds Antiques and Gifts, and Weezie’s Cottage
Stephen Klein – Gadsden County News Service
