There is so much going on this first week after Thanksgiving, the business community has dressed up their windows and storefronts. Many merchants are offering special promotions, and are all stocked up on Christmas merchandise and gifts.

All they need is you.

The Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce has pulled out all the stops leading into the holiday season. With punch cards and scratch off cards providing additional incentives, the stores are ready for customers.

“Shopping local is one of the most powerful ways we can support our community,” said Robin Streigle of the Webster City Area Chamber. “Every purchase makes a difference. This program is designed to be fun, rewarding, and a reminder that our small businesses are the heart of Webster City.”

Daily Freeman-Journal file photo by Kolleen Taylor
Jeana Gilbert-McBride, co-owner of Gilbert Jewelers, is one of the retailers in downtown Webster City that offer exceptional service and quality for those very special gifts.

The rewards are plenty, with those using punch cards able to turn them into the chamber for weekly drawings. $100 of chamber bucks will be awarded to one winner each week.

The scratch off tickets allow additional savings for those who are shopping from one store to the next. This cross promotion helps introduce new stores to the shopping community, and encourages shoppers to continue their gift buying in other locations within the city.

In addition to shopping Christmas in the City events feature entertainment for all ages. Many area businesses have special activities in their stores on Saturday, and organizations such as the Webster City Women’s Club and the Wilson Brewer Park have special activities throughout the day.

A full schedule of activities are available through the Webster City Chamber website, this newspaper, and from area businesses.

Daily Freeman-Journal by David Borer
Aaron McCullough directs the Webster City Community Hand Bell Choir earlier this week as final rehearsals polish the music for this weekend's concerts with the Webster City Community Chorus. Performances are Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1229 Kathy Lane, in Webster City.