Christmas open house set

By GINA KINSLOW
Glasgow Daily Times

CAVE CITY November 20, 2008 12:28 pm

— Nearly every downtown business in Cave City will be hosting a Christmas open house this weekend in an effort to kick off the holiday shopping season.
That includes businesses such as Doyle Insurance, Village Beauty Salon, Cream and Sugar Cafe and Four Seasons Antiques, Uniques and Collectibles just to mention a few.
Many of the downtown stores have hosted Christmas open houses in the past, but according to Wandel Strange, president of the Cave City Chamber of Commerce, there have never been as many willing to take part as there are this year.
“This is the most we’ve ever had to participate,” he said.
Caverna Florist usually hosts a Christmas open house each year.
“It’s an annual event for us,” said Glen Bray, owner of the flower shop. “This year we are lucky in Cave City that most of all of the local downtown merchants are participating with us. It’s a good thing for the community.”
Many of the downtown businesses will be offering special discounts this weekend ranging anywhere from 10 to 20 percent off, Strange said, adding that several of the businesses will also be giving away door prizes.
Some of the businesses will also have refreshments available for customers, he said.
In conjunction with the Christmas open houses, the Cave Country Lions Club is hosting a chili supper at the Cream and Sugar Cafe from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, featuring chili, cheese and crackers, drink and dessert for $5 at The Cream and Sugar Cafe at 105 Broadway St.
“The proceeds go to benefit the club’s local projects,” said Carol DeGroft, executive secretary for the Cave City Chamber of Commerce.
The hours for the Christmas open houses differ for each business, however, several downtown merchants and business owners have agreed to stay open late on Friday to give those attending the Christmas tree lighting a chance to shop.
The Christmas tree lighting will take place at 6 p.m. at the gazebo in downtown Cave City.
“Mary Lou and Ricky Carey are going to bring our Christmas tree to the gazebo by horse and wagon,” DeGroft said.
This is the first time a Christmas tree for downtown Cave City has been brought in by horse and wagon, and Mary Lou Carey, who owns Jesse James Riding Stables and Kentucky Action Park, said she is excited to be a part of the event.
“It’s exciting. It’s nice. We’re hoping we will have a lot of people downtown,” she said. “We’re excited about it and we hope it turns out good and it doesn’t rain.”
Following the tree lighting, Mayor Bob Hunt and his wife, Linda, will read the Christmas story and lead the group in singing Christmas carols.