Dayton ready for holiday season

photo Motorists on Market Street in downtown Dayton, Tenn., pass by lampposts decorated with MainStreet Dayton holiday signs. The downtown merchants will hold their annual Holiday Stroll on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m.

DAYTON, Tenn. - Merchants in downtown Dayton are planning weekly drawings, increased offerings and more as they kick off the holiday season with the annual Holiday Stroll on Thursday.

The stroll will feature the Bryan College community youth choir and local favorites Jim Ricketts and the Graysville Church of God choir performing from 5 to 8 p.m.

More businesses popped up in the downtown area this year, including Tiffany Smith Photography, The Treasure Barn, Mountain Candles and Lacey J.'s Dance Studio. Paint the Town Pottery expanded with an event room for birthdays and other special occasions.

Brad Putt, owner of Main Stage Music, said his plans for the holiday season don't include "relying on gimmicks, but competitiveness."

"Businesses need to plant and not always reap" to attract and keep customers, Putt said. He said he plans to stock his store with a wide variety of fretted instruments and sound equipment and to allow customers to trade in used instruments for upgrades.

Eva Cruver, co-owner of The General Store, said it will have more handcrafted items and Pure Play wooden toys this year.

ArtCrafters will have weekly drawings for a handcrafted item until Dec. 22.

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