By Rita Howell

With a cold but sunny forecast for Sunday, Batesville’s Holiday Open House should have a seasonal feel to go along with a festive atmosphere as many of the town’s retailers will be open from 1-5 to give shoppers their first taste of Christmas, 2013.

“Holiday Open House has become more than an  opportunity to  begin holiday shopping,” Colleen Clark, Batesville Main Street manager, said.  “It is a time for our community to  join together,  visit with friends and share in the spirit of the  holidays.”

The City of Batesville sponsors the event, which is organized by Batesville Main Street.
(See pages A11-12 for information about some of the participating merchants.)

Events on the Downtown Square will include carriage rides which originate at the Eureka Theatre. Santa’s Workshop will be open at the Municipal Courtroom, where children can write letters to Santa, make reindeer food, and decorate an ornament for their Christmas tree. The workshop is free. Santa will be available for photos.

Handmade items and homemade baked goods and treats will be available at the Christmas bazaar at 109 Public Square and also in Santa’s Workshop.

Also on Sunday, the Boys and Girls Club of Northwest Mississippi will host an open house and “A Taste of the Club Culinaire,” a tasty offering of the best dishes created by some of the area’s finest chefs, restaurateurs and cooks. Holiday cuisine will be prepared by 14 outstanding local cooks. Hours of the open house will be 12:30 -3:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Call 578-7309 for information.