Local shoppers will have the opportunity Saturday to previewwhat’s new for Christmas at many area merchants.

During Saturday’s Christmas Open House, shoppers can visit the27 participating merchants from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The yearly eventis sponsored by the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber ofCommerce.

An added bonus to this year’s event is a drawing for five $100gift certificates, which can be used at any of the 27merchants.

Kay Burton, Chamber of Commerce program director, said shopperscan register once at each participating merchant, which willincrease their odds of winning. Chamber officials will conduct thedrawings Monday afternoon, and winners will be notified.

“We want to encourage people who would normally go out of townto shop here,” said Burton.

She said some business will offer a variety of discounts anddrawings on their own. Some businesses also will offerrefreshments.

“This kicks off the Christmas season,” said Burton. “Those whowant to get an early start can get a good buy.”

This will also give shoppers an opportunity to meet Miss MerryChristmas Jana Wallace, who will be visiting each of theparticipating businesses, Burton said. This will be Miss MerryChristmas’ first official duty.

Burton hopes for a good turnout for the open house.

“We expect a lot of traffic,” she said.

The event is good for the local economy, Burton said. Thechamber has advertised the event in several magazines, regionalnewspapers and on radio stations.

“A lot of people like to shop here,” said Burton.