The holidays are just around the corner, where has the year gone? Fredericktown Revitaliztion Initiative (FRI) would like you to participate in the 9th annual Home for the Holidays. This year it will be held on Friday December 4th from 5:00pm-8:30pm.

The Home for the Holidays event is designed to bring back the nostalgic downtown shopping experience of yesteryears. All businesses are encouraged to participate by staying open late, offering an inviting, festive and relaxed atmosphere by serving hot beverages, playing holiday music, decorating our storefronts and mingling with existing and prospertive new customers. We are putting a flier together of participating businesses, so please let us know by November 30th what you are planning to do (a special, door prize, or just offering good music). Call or e-mail Christina at the Chamber 783-2604/ chm.ftownchamber@sbcglobal.net or Kate at (573)576-0979/ kecn35@yahoo.com.

Mr. Sandlin and his horse and carriage will be downtown to give complimentary rides for everyone’s enjoyment. The carriage will start the rides at the courthouse, drive down to the post office, back up around the courthouse to pick up the next riders. In past years we have had an anonymous donor who covered the cost of the carriage, this year that is not the case. To keep this a free activity we are asking anyone who is able, to donate. Donations made before November 18th will be included as a sponsor of the carriage ride on the Home for the Holidays posters around town.

The Boy Scouts are lighting the Jaycee Park again this year -- hot chocolate and visits with Santa available! FRI is asking everyone to leave Santa to the Boy Scouts, eliminating any confusion to the youngsters, with multiple Santas in downtown. They are also putting on the Christmas in Lights Parade on Friday evening starting at 6:30pm at the Armory (line up starts at 5:30) and finishing at the Jaycee Park. If anyone is interested in putting a display in the Jaycee Park or putting an entry in the Christmas in Lights Parade, contact Ken Tomlinson (783-5842).

This is a great time to share the holiday spirit with your customers and friends. Mark your calendar for Friday, December 4th, 5-9pm. Your participation will be greatly appreciated by your fellow businesses and the people in our community.

Any ideas or suggestions for next year are welcome. Please contact me with any questions or comments call me at (573)576-0979, email me at kecn35@yahoo.com, or check out our website at www.mainstreetfredericktown.com

submitted by Katie Cox, Organizational Committee Chair, Fredericktown Revitalization Initiative