AMORY – Christmas may seem like it’s coming early this year, but Amory’s downtown merchants think it’s time to get the season kicked off in a grand fashion.

The city’s traditional Main Street Inc.-sponsored Christmas open houses will run a full weekend this year, Nov. 7-9 – Friday evening from 5-8 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. The theme for this year’s event is the Joys of Christmas.

Friday at noon there will be a special performance of the Amory Middle School hand bell choir, directed by Susan Gillentine, in front of the Amory School District headquarters on Main Street.

Friday night will be candlelight night, with candles lit and Christmas carolers strolling through town spreading holiday cheer.

Besides the merchants decorating their stores in holiday style, all of downtown will take on a festive look as planters are decorated and holiday flags displayed. Merchants will compete in a window decorating contest.

Everyone shopping downtown Amory can register for gift certificates that will be given away during a drawing on Dec. 18 at the Amory Main Street office. The winner does not have to be present to win. Judy Baxter, downtown merchants committee chairperson said people can go into any participating merchant’s store and register for the prizes beginning Friday evening at open houses.

Participating merchants

Merchants that are participating in the drawing include the following: Amory Flower Shop, Amory Lawn and Pool, Bella’s LaBoutique, Bill’s Hamburgers, Carson’s Healthcare, Charlotte’s Carpets, Corner Flowers, Cottage Boutique, Dairy Kream, Dana’s Petals, Flooring Concepts, Dinstuhl’s Sister Act, Fonda’s Salon, G&Y Gifts, Galloway Fabrics, Green’s Blossom Shop, J.C. Designs, Chuck Kennedy Photography, Lala & Co., Lisa’s Jewelry, Merle Norman Cosmetics, Lunch Box, Oasis Restaurant, Park Restaurant, Pizza Hut, Peoples Drugs Gift Shop, Robbins Nest, Roberts Jewelry, Seafood Shack, Sunshine on Main, A Thousand Words, Today’s Woman, Local Artist Gift Shop, Amory Paint Depot.

Saturday’s events will kick off early when pedestrians walk together through downtown Amory as part of the “Let’s Go Walkin’ Mississippi” statewide event.

In conjunction with the holiday open houses, local author Pat Brannon will conduct a book signing at LaLa & Company on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Brannon will sign her books “Filthy Farley O’Charlie McBarley” and “Walk Softly (You’re Steppin’ On My Heart!).” A portion of the proceeds from this event will be given to the United Way and the Amory Food Pantry.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus also will be at LaLa & Company Saturday, to greet shoppers.

Amory’s downtown merchants also will be open extended hours, until 7 p.m., on Thursdays throughout December for shopping convenience.