Downtown Athens to offer Cider, Santa and Seasonal Sales

Downtown Athens is hosting a holiday trio that hits the right notes for the Christmas season: cider, Santa and seasonal sales.

The annual Spirit of Athens Sippin’ Cider event is Saturday, Dec. 10, from 5-8 p.m. at participating merchants. Spirit of Athens is a Main Street organization that works to enhance Downtown Athens, and this event encourages shoppers to support downtown merchants and enjoy family-friendly activities.

“Sippin’ Cider offers families a fun way to shop,” said Spirit of Athens Promotions Committee member Holly Hollman. “There will be seasonal sales to help you finish your Christmas shopping as well as free crafts and activities for the children and music for all ages to enjoy.”

The participating merchants will compete for the coveted Cider Cup and offer free samples of nice and in some cases naughty cider. The public votes for its favorite cider, and those who visit the required number of merchants can submit their judging sheets for a door prize drawing.

High Cotton Arts will start the festivities early with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will be in an art studio decorated especially for photo sessions with Santa. Parents can bring a camera and make photos while children make sure their Christmas wishes are known. Santa later will walk around Downtown Athens visiting merchants and shoppers.

“I love visiting Athens and meeting with all the boys and girls who are out enjoying the festive events your city offers for the holidays,” said Santa, who has ordered a new suit to ensure he looks spiffy for his Athens appearances. “It also gives me an opportunity to remind them to continue to be good.”

The Lions Club Kiddie Carnival Train will offer free rides for children, and there will be a fire pit on The Square on the Courthouse side of Washington and Marion street for marshmallow roasting and S’mores. There will be music provided by Athens High School Choir and Tom Newton.

Here is a list of participating merchants, craft stations and musical entertainment locations:

Athens Arts League at High Cotton Arts
   Register for in-store ceramic Christmas item giveaway
   Make a snowman ornament
   Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 3-5 p.m.
   Our Little Kitchen Food Truck

CEI Books
  Free gift wrap on $20 or more in purchases
  15% off children's materials
  Register to win a hymnal $15 value and book $45 value
  Athens High School Choir will perform from 6:30 to 7 p.m.
 
Crawford’s Gifts
  Buy one get one 1/2 off Christmas soy candles
  Ornaments 20% off
  Register for in store giveaway - $50 in Christmas decorations

Epiphany Boutiques
  20% off store wide
  Register for in store giveaway - $25 gift card

Gray and Holt, Inc.
  Register for in store giveaway - $50 gift certificate

Hendricks-Patton-Rancl, Inc.
  Free plastic sled with purchase of Flexible Flyer Sled
  Register in store to win a Snow Saucer Sled
  Football on TV for the big kids

House of Holland
  25% off all clothing
  50% off all home goods
  Register for in store giveaway - $50 gift certificate
  Live music by Tom Newton

LuVici's
  Register to win one free lunch with beverage - $15 value

Pimentos
  20% off storewide from 5-8
  Register for in store giveaway - $60 value
 
Snapdragon Kids
  20% off all clothes and shoes
  30% off Christmas
  Register to win in store giveaway - Christmas toy basket ($50 Value)
  Face painting for kids

Square Clock Coffee
  Register to win in store giveaway - $10 gift card
  Make a reindeer ornament

The Right Dress Boutique
  20% off storewide (excludes sale items)
  50% off Lovelee Soaps
  Game day dresses $20 and under
  Register to win in store giveaway - String Theory Bracelet - $45 Value
  Cookie decorating

Trinity's
  Register to win in store giveaway - $50 gift certificate

U.G. White Mercantile
  Register to win in store giveaway - ENO Hammock

Village Pizza
  Register to win in restaurant giveaway - $20 gift card

Wildwood Deli
  Register to win free lunch giveaway - $10 value
  Enjoy a fresh baked sweet with your cider