Next Friday night downtown Iola will be a holiday delight.
Horse-drawn carriage rides. Santa Claus. Carolers garbed in period clothing. Stores around the square open and all aglow.
And what’s that delicious smell wafting on the breeze? Roasting chestnuts?
Not quite. But the Little Nut House of Yates Center will be selling roasted pecans and almonds.
“It’s the closest we could come to chestnuts roasted by an open fire,” said Carol Sager, director of the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce, and an organizer of the Sixth Annual Spirit of Christmas Downtown event, along with Thrive Allen County and Kelly Sigg of Audacious Boutique.
“All we need is a dusting of snow,” said Sigg, to transform the Iola square into a winter wonderland replete with Santa Claus, carolers and horse carriage rides while merchants keep their doors open from 4 to 7 p.m. to entice would-be shoppers.
“It’s going to be bigger and better,” than previous years, Sigg predicted, adding many of the activities are for the entire family. A special attraction will be a hot chocolate stand where customers can order tailor-made drinks.
Dee Isle, Chanute, will bring her draft horses and a “Cinderella carriage” to provide rides around the magically lighted square.
More than 20 merchants and businesses have agreed to be open next Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. as part of the event.
At each venue will be the opportunity for participants to enter their names into a grand prize drawing worth $475 in gift certificates — $25 per store.
The more stores you visit, the better your chances of your name being drawn for the grand prize. The winner will be announced the following Monday.
In addition to the grand prize, merchants will also be having individual specials and giveaways, Sigg said.
What to look for Friday night:
* At Class Act Salon free tutorials in makeup and hair styling as well as product giveaways.
* Reduced-priced tanning and waxing sessions as well as discounts on products will be offered at Town Square Tannery and Salon. Spray tans will be marked down to $20 from the regular $30.
* CapperJewelry will offer discounts on gemstone jewelry as well as silicone bands.
* Jones Jewelry will have 30 percent off its entire inventory.
