From 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 16 local retailers along with the City of Collinsville will host the retail event.  The stores will have special pricing and other offers, roll out their Christmas displays, and setting up booths for sidewalk sales (weather permitting).  Jim’s Pawn & Jewelry is sponsoring “Bandroom Brass”.  The small brass band will be strolling along Main Street from 11-4 playing favorite Christmas songs. 

Not only is this is a great way to get some early shopping done, but in-store activities will delight families as well.  Ashmann’s Pharmacy (209 E. Main) will host live reindeer and sell fresh kettle corn from 9:30-12:30.  UrBaN aRt CoOp (101 E. Main) will bring in Santa Claus and offer pictures with Santa from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.  Biegert’s Art Gallery and Jewelers (113 W. Main from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.) as well as The Flower Basket (317 W. Main from 12-4 p.m.) will both offer wine, punch and cheese.  Cross Patches (110 W. Main) will demo quick Christmas Gifts from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., and Dizzy Dugout (121 E. Main) will host a Duel School and Games Club Open House from 1-4 p.m.  The Oatman House Tea Room will be selling coffee, cookies hot chocolate and more near the parade area, and Butterfield’s, Collinsville Sports Store, A1 Party & Wedding, Home Furniture and Sizzor Shak will all have a variety of complimentary punches, ciders, cookies and Christmas snacks! 

In addition to sales and special promotions, the Collinsville Marine Corps League will host the Toys for Tots Parade Uptown starting at 10 a.m. on Main Street from Combs to Seminary.  Jeremy Kee is coordinating efforts for the parade, is happy to be partnering with the City on this effort:  “This will get the word about what "Toys for Tots' does, who we benefit, and why the Marine Corp stands behind it.  Without community support and people helping people, and look forward to seeing everyone at the parade.  We will be accepting New Unwrapped Toy to kick off this year’s campaign with a BANG."

One lucky shopper may win a $1000 shopping spree through a $1 raffle (or 6 for $5) to be used at any of these 16 stores.  In addition, eight $20 gift certificates will be raffled.  Tickets will be sold at the business open house until December 7.  For any purchase, the shopper will receive a coupon good through December 31, 2009 for half off a second entrée with purchase of one entrée at Fifth Quarter, Friday’s South, The Sandwich Shop, Oatman House Tea Room or Peking Garden.