Published: November 02, 2009 03:27 pm      

Covington merchants plan holiday open house

COVINGTON, Ind. — The holiday season is coming a little earlier than usual to Covington. Instead of the annual downtown Christmas Walk, the retail community is gearing up for a holiday season open house from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST Saturday.

“All the shops will be decked out for the holidays to get people in the mood for decorating their houses,” said Deb Duncan, owner of Fourth Street Gallery on the courthouse square and one of the initiators.

Duncan said the earlier date will give families the opportunity to enjoy a festive atmosphere in downtown Covington throughout the holidays.

“Last year we had terrible weather for the Christmas Walk. We’re starting a little earlier this year in the hopes of better weather,” Duncan said. “Of course we could have snow in November too, but it’s a little less likely.”

Aside from showcasing new merchandise, several of the participating stores will offer refreshments, holiday specials and drawings for prizes. “We’re also hoping to have some holiday music,” Duncan said.

“We’re going to have refreshments and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year,” said Gloria Llewellyn, owner of Glorie Bee Antiques, one of about 10 participating stores. “People can come and get some ideas and inspiration for the holidays.”

The Saturday event also will mark the grand opening of two new ventures; Potter’s Alley at 316 Liberty St. and Already Approved on 322 Fourth St., in the basement of Fourth Street Gallery.

Potter’s Alley is a paint-your-own pottery and ceramic studio offering classes, custom-made pottery and special events.

“It’s a great space for birthday parties, scout meetings, social clubs and more,” said Duncan, who came up with the idea together with local artist Marie McCarty. “We also have plans for ladies’ nights in the evenings,” Duncan added.

McCarty also moved her art classes for kids from Fourth Street Gallery to Potter’s Alley. Her space in the basement of the gallery will instead be filled by Already Approved, a store offering gently used pageant, prom and homecoming dresses. Amy Wright opened Already Approved in the back of The Cottage in September, but quickly outgrew that space. The move will enable her to increase her inventory and expand her shoe and jewelry lines.

“I’m excited about it; I definitely needed more space,” Wright said. She also plans to start offering bridal gowns, something she’s received a lot of inquiries about. “I’m going to start out small (with the bridal). Most of the dresses will be new,” Wright said.

IF YOU GO

Covington businesses will sponsor a holiday season open house from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST Saturday. Several stores will have refreshments, drawings for prizes and other special events.