Hometown Holidays Runs On December Thursdays
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Store specials, music and other holiday activities will run from 6 to 9; Downstreet Art on Ice kicks off at 5.
This first Hometown Holidays celebration will see the culmination of the Window Decorating Contest, which is open to all businesses in North Adams. Judges are Mayor Richard Alcombright, state Rep. Gailanne Cariddi, local artist Jarvis Rockwell, Michael Foster of the North Adams Transcript and Sean Taylor from Freight Yard Pub.
There will also be City Councilor's Choice and a People's Choice awards. The trolley will take judges and interested members of the public to all decorated sites throughout the city. Prizes and bragging rights will be awarded to the winners. This contest is sponsored by Porches Inn.
"Hometown Holidays events are a great way for all of us to connect during this special season. It is wonderful to see all the excitement in and around our downtown," said Alcombright. "Our local businesses and restaurants have done a wonderful job decorating their storefronts to create a welcoming shopping and dining atmosphere, and they are well prepared to serve all of us during this holiday season. Please remember to shop locally and support our neighbors and our friends who own, manage and work our small business community."
The Mystery Shopper, who can be identified by a weekly clue, will also be out and about between 6 and 8 in the downtown. The first to spot the Mystery Shopper wins a $25 gift certificate to a participating business.
If you listen closely you'll hear snow go thumpetty thump thump.
Downstreet Art on Ice returns for the third year. The extension of the summerlong artfest includes live music, six exhibition openings, two performances and art deals (the bargains go fast at the "99¢ and up: Art Mall" at Gallery 51).
Store specials also include a chance to enter for a gift basket worth $200 at Berkshire Emporium & Antiques and discounts and specials at Dilego's Jewelry, I Got Goodies, Mia's Consignment Shop, The Party Place, Porches Inn and (with donations to the food pantry) at River Hill Pottery and Shima Boutique.
Minerva Arts Center on Massachusetts Avenue is staging a production of "Fiddler on the Roof" at 7:30 and Patrick Gray Jr. will be playing music at Public Eat & Drink on Holden Street.
The 2011 Hometown Holidays is part of Shop North Adams, a campaign urging people to shop locally. Sponsors include the city of North Adams, Develop North Adams and the North Adams Transcript.
Information: 413-664-6180 or tourism@northadams-ma.gov.

