Holiday Open House is a hit

Sleigh bells were ringing downtown Sunday afternoon during the annual downtown Holiday Open House, where local shops showcased and debuted holiday merchandise and offered discounts. Ted Brabham, owner of Grandma’s Attic, said his store had been packed wall-to wall. His storefront was awarded Best Decorated Window. “It’s been the biggest turnout yet,” Brabham said. Rachael’s Marketplace owners agreed that this was their busiest time yet. Rachael Wagner, 22, for whom the shop is named, sold lovely necklaces made of Christmas light bulbs and greeted her guests with smiles and warm hugs. Atlanta Area Chamber of Commerce set up drawings and giveaways for residents and visitors to Atlanta’s downtown area where steady crowds flowed in and out of shops in the business district. Tammy Green said she was enjoying getting out and about on such a lovely day. “The weather is perfect,” Green said. Many storefronts had Christmas trees lit up and decorated in anticipation of the upcoming holidays.

Live music, presented by the Country Music Store, was performed by Sonny G. and Company, featuring Shinar the Singing Artist--master of steel drums, as well as Rude Dawg on the soulful sax.

Sweet saxophone sounds sailed from out of the pocket park and into the shops where folks were able to both groove and peruse local shop sales and admire the new nativity scene in front of the Vietnam War Memorial on East Main--courtesy of the 903 Artisans.

At one point, a cat posed on top of boxes in the window of Atlanta Athletics to the amusement of many, who tried to catch a picture before the cat skittered away, taking one of the shoe boxes down with him.

Atlanta Area Chamber Communication’s Manager, Kendall Wolfe was also pleased with the turnout and welcoming weather.

“It’s been great so far,” Wolfe said.

“We have a lot of people from out of town visiting. People are smiling and getting into the Christmas Spirit. It’s been a great turnout, one of the best.”