Haralson County is a great place to shop any day of the year, but according to some savvy people in the thick of promoting commerce at home, local residents should think locally first when planning their holiday shopping trips.

The City of Tallapoosa, the Downtown Development Authority and the Tallapoosa Business Association will sponsor “Christmas in Possum Snout,” a full schedule of holiday activities beginning on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, according to civic leader Tommy Allen.

Many Tallapoosa stores will be open on Thanksgiving Day, accommodating early Christmas shoppers. “Christmas at the Allen House,” a Thanksgiving tradition at Allen’s Flowers & Gifts on Head Avenue, will feature a great variety of gifts, decoration ideas, refreshments and even old fashioned carriage rides. Later that evening, Harold McWhorter will sing Christmas songs.

The lighting of the city Christmas tree, caroling and a visit by Santa Clause are scheduled for downtown Tallapoosa on Monday, Nov. 26, at 6 p.m., according to coordinator Melissa Stamey. The annual lighted Christmas parade will take place at 7 p.m. Dec. 11. And the celebrated Possum Drop will bring 2012 to a fun finale on New Year’s Eve.

In Bremen, “The Christmas Shoppe at Sewell Mill” will take place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to co-chairs Caron Connelly and Linda Bulifant. There’s no admission charge to The Christmas Shoppe, which centers on ideas and products that make for a cheerful holiday.

“There will be locally made crafts and gifts, representatives from your favorite companies, jewelry and clothing, holiday cakes, treats and ‘Ho Ho Cocoa,’ decorations, holiday photos, kids’ crafts and gifts for the entire family,” said Bulifant.

“Vendors are urged to contact us for a space in The Christmas Shoppe; we’ll accept vendors up until the last minute,” said Connelly, Sewell Mill Events and Promotions manager.

E-mail Bulifant at tlmbully@bellsouth.net or me at clc1118@att.net, or call Sewell Mill at 770-537-1772. Sewell Mill is a non-profit professional and community event center located at 126 Hamilton Avenue, Bremen.

All of the above events are local and highlight Haralson County Chamber of Commerce’s emphasis on boosting the local economy by shopping local.

“There are practical reasons for shopping local,” said Chamber of Commerce President Jennie English. “You save time, which is at a premium these days, it’s more convenient, and you save on gas. You support local businesses that take risks because they draw from a smaller customer base than out-of-county commercial giants. Money spent locally re-circulates several times in the community. The primary reason to shop at home is that it generates tax dollars for the county and municipalities who provide essential services. We want all of our citizens to have a ‘Live Local’ mindset that benefits us all.”