Nov. 19 date for Chamber Open House

“Christmas Dreams and Small Town Things” is the theme for the annual Perkins County Chamber Open House, Next Thursday, November 19. 

The event will take place the third Thursday of November, per usual, in an effort to promote local shopping, and in a way is Perkins County’s own “Black Friday.”

Just like so many things however, Open House will see some changes due to the COVID pandemic. 

Santa is slated to come in on a horse drawn sleigh to where he will set up and be waiting to hear the Christmas wishes of the children of Perkins County. 

Santa will be sitting between Soulful Salvage and Deaver Computer from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. 

Children wishing to see Santa must be wearing a mask. 

A line will be formed towards the ally, and there will more of a schedule type system to keep the line at a minimum.

The Senior Center is offering their annual baked potato bar, but to-go orders are encouraged. Seating in the center will be limited to 45, but there will also be several vendors inside as well.

Area banks all have vendors on their schedule for Open House, while many other businesses are seeking ways to celebrate and have sales, safely without the concern of too many shoppers in the building at once.

Stores are asked to keep a maximum occupancy of 10 shoppers at a time, and face masks will be mandatory. 

The flow of traffic will be conducted the same as it was for Trick-or-Treat Street, with the West side of Central Ave. flowing South, and the East side flowing North. 

Extending store or sale hours throughout the day instead of during the evening was one suggestion for businesses to combat the struggle of too many shoppers. 

Public transportation will be offered the evening of Open House for $1.25 and can be reached by calling 308-352-4597.

“We strongly encourage all in attendance to follow current DHM’s,” Chamber President Tawna Holstedt said.