Christmas Stroll kicks off local holiday shopping

Saturday, Dec. 5, is an opportunity for shoppers to make purchases from local businesses for the holidays. Although lacking the usual Sunday Lighted Parade and visit by Santa, the Laurel Christmas Stroll will offer plenty of seasonal cheer. There will even be a fireworks display by the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department firefighters.

Among the businesses open and anxious to greet shoppers are Dynamic Designs, Harmony Coffee Bar, The Front Porch, Redneck Pizza, High Plains Brewing, Laurel Ace Hardware, Reese & Ray’s IGA and the Vue and Brew. The Christmas Stroll is sponsored by the Laurel Chamber of Commerce.

Most businesses will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and many are offering specials. Harmony Coffee Bar will be taking 20% off purchases and drinks are buy one, get one half-off. The Front Porch will feature photos with Santa from noon to 3 p.m. Redneck Pizza (11 a.m. to 9 p.m.) will give diners a free small one-topping pizza with purchase of a large specialty pizza. High Plains Brewing (1-8 p.m.) will have a special guest appearance at 4 p.m. Laurel Ace Hardware will offer customers cookies, cocoa and hot cider. The Vue and Brew will show “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” at 3 p.m. and children can get their picture with the Grinch before the movie.

Additionally, the Christmas Stroll is an opportunity for shoppers to play Bingo. Download Bingo cards and have staff at each business visited initial it. Completed Bingo cards are entry into a raffle to win gift-card prize baskets. See examples of the cards on p. 2, download and print cards from laurelmontana.org or visit the Chamber for cards.