Help your family make lasting memories of the holiday season during Mandan’s 2011 “Over the River and Through the Shops” Christmas celebration complete with the arrival of Santa Claus, horse-drawn wagon rides, carolers and $900 in Mandan Bucks gift certificate giveaways. The holiday shopping celebration is coordinated by the Mandan Progress Organization as a means providing residents and visitors with holiday entertainment while stimulating local shopping.

Santa’s Arrival. Slated for Saturday, Nov. 26, shoppers are invited to enjoy Breakfast with Santa from 8 to 10 a.m. at Central Market, 504 W Main Street; a Santa Parade on Main from Hardee’s to Central Market at 10:30 a.m., followed by Santa visits with kids at Central Market from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Businesses, civic organizations, school and youth groups are invited to participate in the Santa Parade. Sign up by contacting the MPO at 751-2983.

Santa Shop Hop. Early bird shoppers who make purchases at three of 21 participating stores and eateries by 11 a.m. will have a chance to win $250 in Mandan Bucks. Another $250 in Mandan Bucks will be awarded in a drawing for shoppers who become eligible by making purchases at 5 or more participating businesses in total for the day by 3:30 p.m.

The event coincides with the national Small Business Saturday, dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. On November 26, Americans are being asked to “Shop Small” at their favorite local stores to help fuel local economies.

Merry Mondays. Participating retailers will remain open Mondays until at least 7 p.m. between Nov. 28 and Dec. 19 and to offer additional sales. Customers may register at participating business for a collective drawing in which $100 in Mandan Bucks gift certificates will be given away each Monday.

Participating Businesses. Stores and restaurants that are partaking in the Santa Shop Hop and Merry Mondays are A Buck or So, Aid, Inc./Brighten’s Thrift Store, Five Nations Art, Golden Comb Salon, Harvest Brazilian Grill, Hirsch Florist, Jerry’s Vacuum Center, LaVon’s Hallmark, Little Chicago, Mandan Art Gallery, Mandan Sporting Goods, Mocha & More, Montana Mike’s Steak House, Pizza Ranch, Quality Home Furniture, Sewing Machines Plus, Simply Wood Furniture, Susie Q’s Craft Emporium, The Purse Store, Thrifty White Drug, and Traveling Trunk. Additionally, Dan’s Supermarket is a Merry Monday location.

For details on sales being offered by these merchants during the special shopping days, download a summary, or pick up a Shop Hop Passport card from a participating merchant following Thanksgiving.

Mandan Bucks. Mandan Bucks are gift certificates redeemable towards goods and services at most Mandan businesses. MPO Executive Director Del Wetsch reminds Mandan citizens and businesses that the certificates make good stocking stuffers or gifts of appreciate for employees, teachers, coaches and volunteers. Mandan Bucks may be purchased at the MPO office headquarters at 411 W Main, open Mondays to Fridays (closed Thanksgiving) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Storefront Decorating Contest. Seven businesses have signed up to compete in a holiday decorating contest. Storefronts are to be decorated for by Nov. 26 and to remain decorated through the month of December. The public will have a chance to vote for their favorite via an on-line poll on the City of Mandan website during the month of December. Local media are donating free advertising packages for the winning business. The participants are Aid, Inc., Butcher Block, Golden Comb Salon, LaVon’s Hallmark, Mandan Sporting Goods, Mocha & More, and Simply Wood Furniture.

More information about the holiday shopping celebration is posted at www.mandanprogress.org.