One of a Kind Hometown Holiday Experience in Manitou Springs on November 23

Merchants and restaurateurs in historic Manitou Springs kick off the 2007 holiday season at sunset on Friday, November 23, when Santa arrives to turn on the holiday lights. Gathering around the Wheeler Clock (the statue of Hygeia, goddess of Health) at the intersection of Manitou and Cañon avenues, participants will be greeted with free hot chocolate and cider. Carolers will be on hand from 5 to 7 p.m. Those present are encouraged to join in the celebration by singing with the carolers.

Santa will arrive with an escort of bagpipers to ring in the season. Upon his signal, all shop owners will simultaneously turn on their holiday lights and illuminate Manitou Avenue. The lighting ceremony will be followed by a public fireworks display over the clock. "The Hometown Holiday event is a great opportunity for locals and daytrippers alike to avoid the shopping crush and spend an entertaining day in Manitou Springs," said Ed Klingman, president of the Central Manitou Springs Business Improvement District Board. "The art, the unique and eclectic shops, the food and the setting are what make Manitou Springs a one-of-a-kind experience."

Huge "doorbuster" sales will be offered by local merchants as well as special discount coupons that can be downloaded from 80829.com. Shoppers can register to win a $500 shopping spree at the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce or turn in $75 worth of receipts for a free companion lift ticket to Monarch Mountain Ski Resort.

It is the purpose of the Central Manitou Springs Business Improvement District to be a strong collaboration of business, government and community. Merchants in the district work together to insure a long-term goal of a clean, safe, vibrant visitor destination area reflective of its historic heritage that is attractive and welcoming to both visitors and residents, and contributes to the economic prosperity of Manitou Springs.

For more information, call Kitty Clemens at 685-9741 or email her at kitty@clemens.com.