Downtown merchants preparing for annual Holiday Open House

Published 3:50 pm Wednesday, November 13, 2019

With Thanksgiving landing on the final Thursday in November, the Christmas shopping season will feel a bit shorter.

Therefore, to assist shoppers, the Vicksburg Downtown Holiday Open House will be held Sunday from 1-5 p.m., two weeks earlier than in years past, Peterson’s owner Bobbie Marascalco said.

Enjoyed by shoppers and merchants alike, the open house has become an annual event, Marascalco said, who said the event showcases the downtown merchants’ Christmas decorations as well as their wares.

Email newsletter signup

Sign up for The Vicksburg Post's free newsletters

Check which newsletters you would like to receive
  • Vicksburg News: Sent daily at 5 am
  • Vicksburg Sports: Sent daily at 10 am
  • Vicksburg Living: Sent on 15th of each month

“I just unloaded my 53rd box of Melissa and Doug toys,” she said, as she prepared for the open house.

Norma Massey, who is the owner of Frederick’s Boutique, a children’s clothing and shoe store, said she always enjoys the annual open house.

“The streets are decorated, the windows are decorated and it’s kind of a party atmosphere,” Massey said. “Merchants have refreshments out and there is holiday music playing, so it’s kind of the kickoff to getting in the Christmas spirit. I love it.

Massey said the event serves as a community gathering to kick off the holidays.

Cinnamon Tree owner Karen Ruggles agreed with Massey.

“The open house brings a lot of people together and is good for the community,” Ruggles said, while also helping patrons with their Christmas shopping.

Ruggles said she also thinks the Downtown Holiday Open House encourages people to shop local.

“I think a lot of people like to come knowing that friends and relatives are going. It’s just a way of getting together,” she said.

In addition to early Christmas shopping, the holiday open house will offer live music and patrons will have the opportunity to register for the “Gifts Under the Tree” raffle.

The raffle will run from Sunday through Dec. 17, and the winner of the drawing will receive gifts donated by the downtown merchants.

With a mild forecast predicted, Marascalco said, she encouraged everyone to come out, shop and enjoy the spirit of the season.

For more information call 601-634-4527 or visit www.downtownvicksburg.org.

About Terri Cowart Frazier

Terri Frazier was born in Cleveland. Shortly afterward, the family moved to Vicksburg. She is a part-time reporter at The Vicksburg Post and is the editor of the Vicksburg Living Magazine, which has been awarded First Place by the Mississippi Press Association. She has also been the recipient of a First Place award in the MPA’s Better Newspaper Contest’s editorial division for the “Best Feature Story.”

Terri graduated from Warren Central High School and Mississippi State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations.

Prior to coming to work at The Post a little more than 10 years ago, she did some freelancing at the Jackson Free Press. But for most of her life, she enjoyed being a full-time stay at home mom.

Terri is a member of the Crawford Street United Methodist Church. She is a lifetime member of the Vicksburg Junior Auxiliary and is a past member of the Sampler Antique Club and Town and Country Garden Club. She is married to Dr. Walter Frazier.

“From staying informed with local governmental issues to hearing the stories of its people, a hometown newspaper is vital to a community. I have felt privileged to be part of a dedicated team at The Post throughout my tenure and hope that with theirs and with local support, I will be able to continue to grow and hone in on my skills as I help share the stories in Vicksburg. When asked what I like most about my job, my answer is always ‘the people.’

email author More by Terri Cowart