ELIZABETHTOWN — A holiday shopping village is planned for Friday from noon to 8 p.m. on the lawn of the Bladen County Courthouse.

Elizabethtown-White Lake Chamber of Commerce Tourism Specialist Dawn Maynard wrote in her chamber newsletter earlier this month there will be live music DJ music from 2 until 5 p.m. and Santa will arrive at the shopping village by the Elizabethtown Fire Department at 2 p.m.

“There will be a mix of items,” said Maynard. “One booth will be selling wreaths and garlands while another one will have baked goods and there will be gourmet apples.”

Maynard said this event will be the second year for the shopping village. Last year’s event was affected by inclement weather, but if the weather is good, Maynard expects to have a large crowd.

Children can speak to Santa and Mrs. Clause about their Christmas lists and discuss whether or not they have been naughty or nice from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m.

“The idea is to promote ‘shopping locally’ this holiday season,” said Maynard. “Some of the merchants are planning to extend their hours because of the cruise-in and as long as they have customers, they will stay open.”

A “Classic Car Cruise In” will take place from about 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Elizabethtown Mayor Sylvia Campbell is expected to announce a “Mayor’s Choice” award recipient to the car of her choice.

Maynard said announcements will be made periodically throughout the event about sales and holiday promotions for businesses in the community.

Restaurants who will be open for the event are Corner Cafe, Tokyo Express, Hamburger Paradise and Star Pizza.

“We just want folks to enjoy shopping and dining locally for the holiday,” said Maynard.