From staff reports

Chickasaw Journal - The Okolona Chamber of Commerce and area merchants created a festive mood to begin the Christmas shopping season last Thursday. Again this year, the Chamber teamed with merchants to present a Christmas Open House to encourage local shopping for townspeople and to invite outsiders in to look over their wares and holiday gift ideas.

Christmas music, piped onto Main Street, proved infectious, as the OHS Chieftains football team, who were being served dinner, came outside to join the fun.

Local merchants said that the turnout was good to begin the holiday retail season.

"It was better than we expected," said Jerry Morgan, owner of Okolona Drug Company. "We had people from Tupelo, Pontotoc, Houston, Aberdeen, Starkville, Amory and Nettleton - more than last year."

Harolyn Turner Flynt, owner of Turner's Flowers and Gifts said she hoped the open house would set the tone for the upcoming retail gift purchasing season.

"It was a better than expected crowd," Flynt said. "I hope that is will kick the season off right."

Sheree Carnathan visited downtown and found the holiday spirit pleasing.

"The people are getting out and the music and lights and decorations for Christmas are all very enjoyable," Carnathan said.

Long time Chamber member and town supporter, Nellie Adams, said she thought the event was a success.

"The music was wonderful," Adams said. "Everything was so nice."

More to come

Okolona kicked off the holiday season in Chickasaw County but there are plenty more festivities to come. The Houston Mainstreet Association is planning a downtown festival to coincide with the annual Christmas parade on Dec. 6. Singing groups are being recruited and may contact Katie Grimes at 542-0094 to participate. Houston, Houlka, Okolona and Woodland have all set dates and times for their Christmas parades. Please see information box for details.