It is hard to believe that Christmas is already in the minds of businesses and promoters. Each year, after Halloween, it seems the spirit begins to pick up.
Last year, in conjunction with the Morton Community Foundation’s Tree of Dreams lighting, the Morton Tourism Association continued its Holidazzle shopping experience. The event was touted by many in Morton as a success, not only because it brought so many people to one place to launch the holiday spirit, but it also promoted shopping locally.
Organizers understand the importance of bringing residents downtown and to Morton shopping centers to shop in their own community. Money received through retail sales within Morton stays in the community — and that is important to a small town.
Residents need to make a strong effort to keep their money in their hometown. Buying elsewhere only gives surrounding communities an advantage. The 3/50 project promoted through the MTA is one program that is designed to keep “shop local” in the minds of local residents. It is a mentality Mortonites should consider more heavily as the village continues to grow.
Organizers within the MCF and the MTA created one heck of a holiday experience that brought hundreds of guests downtown for the first-ever MCF Tree of Dreams lighting event. The holiday event is even bigger this year.
Lighting of the MCF Tree of Dreams takes place at 309 N. Main St. beginning at 7 p.m. Nov. 13. After the tree lighting, residents can stroll the candle-lit streets to shops downtown, at the Jackson Plaza or in the Field Shopping Center. Stores will be open until 8 p.m. Santa will be on hand at the downtown Morton Community Bank beginning at 5 p.m. A chili supper will be hosted by Community United Church of Christ in Morton, 300 N. Main St., beginning at 5 p.m.
Mark Nov. 13 on schedules and make a point to visit downtown for a holiday event that continues to grow in Morton.
More importantly, Mortonites should make every effort to keep their money in town as they seek holiday gifts.
