By Deborah Bennett
Millen News Editor

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It will start to feel a lot like Christmas locally this week with several holiday events scheduled to take place.

The annual Christmas in Millen, Business Open House and Memorial Tree Lighting are set to take place this Friday on Cotton Avenue. The Memorial Tree Lighting will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the Caboose on Cotton Avenue, and Christmas in Millen and Business Open House hours are 6-8 p.m.

The activities are sponsored by the Millen- Jenkins County Chamber of Commerce and Millen Better Hometown.

Santa Claus will be on hand to hear children’s Christmas wishes and to take photographs with them. Other planned activities will include DNR laser target shooting, Fire Department train rides and carnival rides by Carter Ride. E n - tertainment will be provided by local talent on the train viewing platform and various food and drinks will be available for purchase. A cake walk is also planned.

Businesses participating in the Business Open House include: Eagle Pharmacy, The Charm Barn, The Cotton Gin, Rocker’s Supply, The Flower Cottage, Elegant Sweets, K & K Antiques and Olde Fashion Soda Shop, Oliver’s General Store, Cindy’s Café on Cotton and Sisters Gifts and Collectibles. Many will offer special discounts at this time.

To purchase tree lights and star lights for the Memorial Tree in memory/honor of loved ones, contact the chamber of commerce office at 982-5595.

Christmas Decorations Contest

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The annual Christmas decorations contest, sponsored by the Millen Garden Council, will be held Monday, Dec. 8. Judging will begin at 6 p.m. and continue through 10 p.m. Lights must be on during this time period.

Judging will be done from the street or driveway. Ribbons will be awarded to first, second, third and fourth places. Homes will be judged in one category and one ribbon awarded. A yard sign will be placed at the first place, blue ribbon, winner’s home, church or business.

The divisions for the contest are Division I: Class I - Homes – Overall Traditional, may include outdoor displays; Class II – Homes – Overall Fantasy, may include outdoor displays; Class III – Doorways; and Class IV – Windows.