The Holiday Open House has been a grassroots shopping event for numerous years, she said.

The open house will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Following the Holiday Open House, avenue businesses will participate in Small Business Saturday on November 28, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Roanoke Rapids has been recognized as a Neighborhood Champion by American Express for two straight years.

The avenue, Caudle said, has numerous opportunities for holiday shopping. “Consignment shops are real popular,” she said. “We have a dozen or so consignment and antique shops, the pet store is open, we have the Quality Shop, Les Atkins photography, Shannon Golden Designs and many more. A lot of people like gift cards and there are a lot of service-related businesses.”

Studies show spending $100 at a local business keeps roughly $68 in the local economy while spending the same amount at a large store only keeps roughly $43 in the local economy.

Last year consumers spent an estimated $14.3 billion with small independent businesses, according to American Express.

Meanwhile, the Main Street tree-trimming contest will begin December 3 at Centennial Park in conjunction with the city's annual tree-lighting celebration, which begins at 6 p.m. Voting will continue through the Christmas parade on December 6.

The entry fee is $250 which includes the tree and signage, Caudle said. “Businesses decorate their trees with non-breakable items.”

The decorations can be reflective of the businesses or simply creative.

The $250 is tax-deductible.

Email Caudle for more information at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.