Rhonda Griffin, Journal Editor

ELIZABETHTOWN — Kick the holiday season off right on Saturday with a visit to the Holiday Shopping Village on the lawn of the Bladen County Courthouse.

Sponsored by the Elizabethtown - White Lake Chamber of Commerce, the event will be packed with reasons to celebrate the season.

“Especially in these tough economic times, we want to encourage residents to shop locally for the holidays to help support our small-business community,” said Dawn Maynard, tourism specialist with the chamber. “We can help by keeping our money here in Bladen County.”

Beginning at 10 a.m., the area will be filled with classic cars, vendors, crafts, music and caroling. As a special treat for the children, Santa will arrive at noon.

The event was planned to encourage residents to shop locally and to support our local businesses — not only during the holiday season, but every day of the year.