By BETH ALSTON
beth.alston@gaflnews.com
www.americustimesrecorder.com

AMERICUS — The tradition continues, as merchants make ready for the Christmas Open House from 4-8 p.m. Thursday in downtown Americus. The popular annual event is sponsored by the Downtown Development Authority and is the unofficial kick off of the Thanksgiving-Christmas-New Year season.
Businesses throughout the downtown area are decked out in full holiday attire to welcome the throngs of people expected to drop by and check out Christmas gift options as well as have refreshments.
Santa himself will arrive at 6 p.m. in Rylander Park and will be available for photos with children until 8 p.m. and Mrs. Claus will be  with him!
Downtown businesses have also been dressing their windows in holiday attire for the “Best Window Display Contest.” Categories include first-, second- and third-places in Best Use of Space, Most Creative and Best New Business. Judging is taking place this week. The winners will display their ribbons during the Christmas Open House.
Registration cards will be available at the participating downtown merchants. The cards, when validated by the merchants, register the card holder for the downtown dollars drawing. Prizes of $100, two $50-prizes, and 10 $10-prizes will be given away. Just drop the completed cards in the decorated boxes on the corner of Jackson and Forsyth and Jackson and Lamar.
So get ready for a great evening in downtown Americus. Temperatures are expected to be mild although you might need a jacket after the sun sets. Enjoy dinner downtown while you’re here.
Be sure to bring the children so they can see Santa and let him know their Christmas wishes.