BISHOP’S JEWELRY store clerk Brianna Ruby shows off a display of Lafonn rings, one of their hottest sellers this holiday season.
Cairo merchants say they are hoping many shoppers will enjoy Saturday’s Mistletoe Market and use the opportunity to buy Christmas gifts from local businesses and vendors. The outdoor market will be set up on South Broad Street in downtown Cairo with local musicians and dancers performing and more than 80 vendors of arts and crafts or food on hand to enhance the shopping experience already provided by local businesses, many of which are planning special sales throughout the day. Mistletoe Market will take place 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., and the downtown block of Broad Street will be closed during those hours.
Shanda Pyrz of Center Drugs says she hopes shoppers will enjoy Saturday. “We are excited for Mistletoe Market and for everyone to get into the Christmas spirit! We will have great sales throughout the store and would love to remind people to shop with us even though we aren’t on Broad Street,” Pyrz says.
Debbi Miller of Miss Myrt’s says she expects Saturday to be fun for all. “So many things going on just outside our doors. We will be offering unadvertised specials throughout the day and will remain
open Saturday night during the concert,” Miller says.
The Sweet Winter Concert, another free event sponsored by Cairo Main Street, will feature The Tams performing on Broad Street, 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Many of the vendors are expected to stay open, along with local businesses, according to Alyssa Blakely, director of Cairo Main Street. “There will be plenty to do, including shopping, eating, and, of course, listening to The Tams perform. Beverages will also be sold and this is an all ages event. Be sure to bring your chairs, maybe a blanket or two and enjoy the concert,” states Blakely.
Allison Barber of Bishop’s Jewelry says she hopes local events such as Mistletoe Market will remind people to shop their hometown. “We are hoping that with the Mistletoe Market, new merchants will discover and shop our downtown,” says Barber. “We are hoping that by offering events downtown that our downtown businesses will continue to grow.”
One big draw Saturday will likely be a visit by the big man in red, himself. Santa will make a special appearance, 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., and a local photographer will take pictures. A fee for the service will include digital pictures, Blakely says.
Shoppers should be on the lookout for a miniature Christmas truck that could be tucked away with vendors or inside the stores of traditional merchants during Mistletoe Market. If found, take the truck to the Cairo Main Street table to receive a prize. The information table will be set up by The Foundry building. Also, the first 400 people who visit the table will receive a free tote bag.
In addition to the shopping, Christmas music and dancers from the FIRM dance company will be entertaining throughout the day, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
The Tams take over the entertainment at 6:30 p.m. performing their version of “Beach Music,” smooth soul and R&B.
Blakely says the entire day will be magical thanks to Cairo’s traditional Christmas decor. “What makes this event even more special and why we chose downtown for the location, is for the canopy lights that Cairo has been known for, for many years,” she says.
