Canton Country Christmas, sponsored by the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce, begins this week (the day after Thanksgiving Day) with "Light Night" on Friday, Nov. 23 and National Small Business Saturday on Nov. 24 in downtown Canton and the surrounding area.
"Merchant Passports" will be available at all participating businesses and restaurants beginning Wednesday, Nov. 21. The passport contest will run from Friday, Nov. 23 through Saturday, Dec. 1.
Holders of the passports are encouraged to enter all of the participating chamber businesses to check out their merchandise and to eat in participating restaurants. The participating businesses will validate your passport and each validation will be an entry into the drawing for wonderful prizes. Store purchases are recommended, but not required for validation.
Each marked/stamped ticket in the passport is a chance to win and the Grand Prize is a trip for two (2) to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. This trip has been donated by WHGL 100 Radio and includes 3 night accommodations at the Hampton Inn North of the Falls. As well as admission to a variety of sites including Maid of the Mist boat ride, Journey behind the Falls and many other attractions. Travel expenses are not included and valid US passports are required.
Stamped passports will need to be dropped off in the Canton Independent-Sentinel/Troy Gazette-Register Office by Tuesday, Dec. 4 for the drawing for the Grand Prize on Thursday, Dec. 6. Winners need not be present to win. Those with 5 or more validations in their passport will receive double entries.
Light Night will begin with a magic show, made possible by co-sponsorship between the Chamber, Rialto Theatre and The Wheel Inn, Inc. The show, "Small Wonders" magic & illusions by Michael St. James, will begin promptly at 6 p.m. The show is free to all and is on a first come first serve basis, as there is only one showing.
When the show is over you are invited to visit the old Burk building on Troy St. and enjoy a free children's Christmas craft and refreshments while waiting for jolly old St. Nick.
Santa will arrive by a horse drawn sleigh at approximately 7 p.m. We will then have the ceremonial street and tree lighting, followed by a meet and greet at the old Burk building.
The festivities continue on Saturday with recognition of National Small Business Saturday. Businesses will continue with their in store sales, specials and passport validation. There will be vendors in the Main St. Park as well as a live WHGL remote broadcast.
Santa will hold a photo session in the Burk building and for a nominal fee you can receive a framed photo with Santa. There will be a free children's Christmas craft and a visit from Stitches the Clown.
The Canton Area Chamber Christmas Raffle tickets will be on sale too. There are thousands in cash and prizes that will be given away. The raffle drawing will be December 17th and winners will be contacted at that time. Tickets are $1 each or 6/$5.
Saturday's festivities will be from 9 a.m. - 12p.m.
Please remember that the weekend's festivities have been made possible by the generous donations and participation from chamber member. We can't thank them enough for their continued support and hope that you will do so as well be being a patron of their establishment.
Should you have any questions on this eventful weekend, please contact the Chamber at 364-2600 or email cantonareachamberofcommerce@yahoo.com.
