11-16-10 Citizens Support the Merchants Holiday Open House & McDonough Arts Festival of the Arts

Shoppers turned out in large numbers for the annual Merchants Holiday Open House and the McDonough Arts Festival of the Arts, both taking place November 14th on the McDonough Square.

Artists and crafters were busy in the Square displaying their original creations as local musicians entertained those wondering from booth-to-booth in their search for unique gifts. Some then spotted an empty park bench on which to relax and take in all the sights and sounds so familiar at this time of year.

Many merchants were bedecked with garland and lights while some had Christmas trees decorated all bright and shinny. But every mercantile in town had merchandise beautifully displayed from front to back among which numerous shoppers browsed and bought.

The weather cooperated, and the rain stayed away making it a great day to be in the Square enjoying both events. Merchants’ front doors continually swung open as each new shopper crossed the threshold checking out all the merchandise and even sampling holiday treats awaiting them in just about every store.

Besides getting in a few hours of shopping, parents had to take time to get in line for, of course, a visit with Santa. The jolly ole gent occupied the big red sleigh in the Square and patiently listened to the wishes of every child in line. From IPods to bicycles, Santa added each desire to his already long list. Most youngsters welcomed the opportunity to sit in Santa’s lap and bend his ear. Some, however, found the bearded man in red a little overwhelming and reached on mom or dad as the tears came quickly.

This is such a special time of year and is always a time for celebration in the beautiful and historic McDonough Square. Local businesses and members of McDonough Arts work hard each year to kick off the holiday season in style. Shopping locally helps assure that this practice will continue year-after-year.

Harry Tallman (Right), a.k.a. the Sand Man,
assists Gabrielle Davis (Left) of McDonough
with her 3 year old brother Ellis Stewart as they work on
creating two colorful bottles filled with different colored sand.

Santa has to coax 1 year old C. J. Frampton with a toy guitar to get close
to him as mom, Erica Frampton of McDonough, holds her son awaiting his reaction.

McDonough resident Sarah Mrozek looks through the
western collection at Emily’s Attic during the Open House.