Shop Monticello this Saturday

The 2006 commemorative Christmas ornaments by the Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce (COC) are available for sale. The ornament promotes the 40th annual Deer Festival and features the outline of Jasper County with a deer in the center on a matte green ornament.

The actual design was inspired from the 1971 Deer Festival Program, said Nancy Wood of the COC.
The 2006 Christmas ornaments are available for $5 each while supplies last. Ornaments may be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce office on the Square, the Bank of Monticello, McIntosh State Bank, Monticello Drugs, The Silver Rabbit, The Plant Parlor and MeMe’s House.

Don’t forget to “Shop Monticello” this Saturday, Dec. 16. Local merchants are offering specials to please everyone on your guest list, said Mrs. Wood.

The Chamber of Commerce along with the Better Hometown Program looks forward to a fun-filled morning with Santa, a children’s Christmas parade on the sidewalk around the Square, and an appearance by the Deer Festival Queen.

The Chamber will open at 10 a.m. in the Visitors’ Center of the Monticello Government Complex and offer ornaments for sale as well as the historic Jasper County afghan.

In addition, local author Johnny Neil Smith will be signing his book, Hill Country Warriors, now available in paperback, with new cover artwork by Ed Westbrook of Shady Dale. Messrs. Smith and Westbrook will be available for the book signing from 2 to 4 p.m.

“It’s great to know that you can find those special gifts right here in Monticello and avoid those huge crowds at the malls,” said Mrs. Wood.
Limited edition ornaments as well as t-shirts are still on hand from previous years and may be purchased at discounted prices.

For more information, call Mrs. Wood at the COC office, 706.468.8994 or Sage Edwards at Better Hometown, 706.468.1995.