AMERICUS —It’s that time of year again, when local merchants are making preparations for the annual Downtown Christmas Open House, scheduled for 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16 in downtown Americus. The popular annual event is sponsored by Americus Main Street and is the unofficial kickoff of the local Thanksgiving-Christmas-New Year’s season.
Businesses throughout downtown will be decked out in their finest holiday decorations to welcome the hosts of people expected to drop by and check out Christmas gift options, enjoy refreshments, or take a leisurely stroll through Americus’ historic downtown and enjoy some holiday cheer. There will be chestnuts roasting on an open fire in front of City Hall. There will also be free carriage rides and free trolley rides sponsored by Americus Main Street.
Santa Claus will arrive at 5:30 p.m. in Rylander Park and will be available for photos with children until 7:30 p.m.
The downtown Christmas tree is scheduled to be lighted at 6:30 p.m. A Parade of Trees, decorated by local businesses and individuals, will be displayed at Rylander Park as well during the event and until after Christmas.
Downtown businesses have also been dressing their windows in holiday attire for the “Best Window Display Contest.” Windows will be judged on creativity, best use of space, and inventive use of materials. The winners will display their ribbons during the Open House event.
Registration cards will be available at any participating downtown business. A registration card is complete once the attendee has received 10 stamps from any of the participating businesses. Ten  stamps qualify the attendee’s registration card to be included in a drawing for a chance to win Downtown Dollars. Attendees can receive a bonus stamp by making a purchase at the participating business. All completed registration cards will be put into a drawing for one $100-prize, two $50-prizes, and five $10-prizes.
Get ready for a great evening in Downtown Americus. Enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants downtown while you’re here. Be sure to bring the children to see Santa and let him know their Christmas wishes.