(11/22) Thurmont will kick off its Christmas festivities December 7 with a prize giveaway, a visit from Santa Claus, and the lighting of a "Remembrance tree."

"Christmas in Thurmont" will be held starting at 9 a.m. in Mechanicstown Park on the square.

Individuals participating in the gift challenge can turn-in their entries at the park, where winners will be determined by prize drawings later in the day at Hobbs Hardware at 4:30 p.m.

Maps listing participating local businesses will become available beginning December 2 at the Thurmont Town Office, and anyone wishing to participate can take their map to the various businesses. Each business will in turn stamp their portion of the map. Participants will have until December 7 to complete their maps for a chance at winning a prize.

The Thurmont Lions Club will light their Remembrance Tree at 4 p.m. before the prize drawings. Santa Claus will also be at Mechanicstown Square from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., and again from 2 p.m. until 4p.m. for pictures.

Shoppers looking for discount merchandise or restaurant coupons to give out during the holidays may want to check around in Thurmont.

Maryland Main Street, in conjunction with Maryland Neighborhood Business Works Program NBW), has offered to provide gift coupons for any retail or restaurants business in a Main Street community which includes the Thurmont area.

The discount/coupon holiday promotion offer will become effective beginning November 30 and continue through January 1.

According to Vickie Grinder, Thurmont Main Street program manager, said, "Last year the Maryland Main Street program web site created a page for all designated Main Street Communities and NBW communities which entitled any business to offer a holiday promotion (to customers)."

"New for this year," she said, "Maryland Main Street will create a different coupon for restaurants and one for retail shopping.

"Thurmont Business Bucks" gift certificates may be purchased at the Thurmont Town Office only, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Gift certificates are in $25 and $50 denominations, and must be purchased with cash or credit cards. A brochure of all participating merchants will be handed-out out with each gift certificate.

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