By ADRIENNE HARRISON

Bainbridge Communications Director

The City of Bainbridge is kicking off the 2011 holiday season with Holiday Open House on Sunday, Nov. 20. Local merchants will be open and offer gifts and deals from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Once again, Mary Barber Cox will be in Willis Park signing ornaments for everyone. This year’s ornament features Riverside Hospital. Ornaments will be available at Holiday Open House, but shoppers can purchase them now at City Hall in the Community Development Office. Individual ornaments are $8, or the whole set can be purchased for $168.

This year’s Holiday Open House participants are: The Bean Cafe, Belk, Bella’s Boutique, Clark’s Hidden Treasures, Curves, Factory Connection, Isabee’s Children’s Apparel & The Hair Works, J&L Gift Shop, Jacobik Antique Gallery, The Jagged Edge Salon, Kres Jewlers, L.T.L Flowers & Gifts, Polka Dots Gift Shop, Reca Wear, Reeves Linens & Gifts, Sharon House Antiques, Southern Trading Company & Pawn, Special Occasions, The Sweet Spot, and The Tanning Company & Tina Brock Gifts. The Firehouse Center & Gallery will also be participating, holding its annual “Bizarre Bazaar” during the event.

Remember to “Buy Bainbridge” during the holidays. Purchasing holiday gifts locally means that citizens’ hard-earned money stays in the community where it can do the most good.

Maps of the participating stores will be available at the city’s website, www.bainbridgecity.com prior to the event. For more information on Bainbridge Ornaments, Holiday Open House or any of the City of Bainbridge’s holiday activities, call (229) 248-2000 or visit www.bainbridgecity.com.