Worthington to showcase holiday shopping

Santa Claus is coming to Worthington on Saturday and the celebration includes a bake sale and a craft bazaar plus refreshments and door prizes at over a dozen antique stores.

From 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., antique and collectable store owners will all be hosting an open house offering holiday discounts as well as drawings for gift certificates and refreshments at several locations.

Santa's sleigh will be parked on the Triangle at the corner of Main and Washington Streets beside the Worthington Antique Store.

Denise Green, owner of Worthington Antiques, said Santa will be available throughout the day for children who want to talk to him or have their picture taken with him.

"The antique store owners started this event last year and we're planning to do it every year," said Green.

Most of the participating shops are located in the downtown area but a few are in other neighborhoods or farther out in the country. Green said the downtown store owners will be offering directions to other shops.

Members of Worthington's Tri Kappa organization will host a bake sale inside Worthington's Municipal Building, also located in the downtown Triangle area.

Besides homemade baked goods, Tri Kappa will also be selling beef and cheddar cheeseballs and Uncle Al's pecans.

The bake sale will be open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

On the north end of town on State Road 67, the Assembly of God Church will be hosting its annual Holiday Craft Bazaar on Friday and Saturday.

A book signing event is also planned -- local author Heather Brown, a Sullivan County native, will be available to sign copies of her book, "Big Crowd at the Crazy House" at the DustyCollectables store on N. Washington St.

Jane Padgett, owner of Dusty Collectables, said the event has grown since last year and everyone is invited.

"We hope everyone will come out and enjoy our events, stroll around the fountain area and just enjoy a fun and relaxing day," said Padgett.

As the number of antique stores has grown in the town, so has their cooperation.

Although they have not formed an official organization, Green said the town's antique store owners meet regularly to compare notes and plan events.

"We all get together for coffee once a month at Martha's (Main Street Cafe)," said Green.

The shops are planning another Open House event in the spring.