By JOEL PHELPS | The Arkadelphian

Locally owned businesses are pairing up this weekend to kick off the 2022 holiday season, and area shoppers are encouraged to take part in the shop local campaign.

This Sunday, Nov. 20, from noon until 5 p.m., 17 Arkadelphia and Caddo Valley businesses and restaurants will be taking part in Holiday Open House. The event will serve as a primer to several other community gatherings that are part of the Yule Love Christmas in Arkadelphia experience.

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“Most stores are doing discounts, taste tests, or sip-and-shops,” said Nikki Chandler, executive vice president of the Arkadelphia Alliance and Chamber of Commerce. “Shoppers can meet at one of the participating restaurants and have brunch then go store to store for shopping.”

Downtown restaurants that will be participating are Slim & Shorty’s, JavaPrimo and Samantha’s Bakery. Ludwig’s Bakery on North 10th Street will have samples, door prizes and imported specialties from Germany. Caddo Valley’s Fish Net will have cookie decorating in addition to offering branded apparel, gift certificates and brittle and fudge from Juanita’s Candy Kitchen.

Shoppers with children are encouraged to pay a visit to Southern Bancorp’s downtown branch lobby between 12:30 and 3 p.m. for photos with Santa Claus. 

The Farmhouse will have new holiday items for sale, along with goodies from the Red Rebel bakery and a complimentary hot cocoa bar. Young Forever will have a holiday sale, offering 50% off regular clothing and 22% off of formal wear. Other businesses will have sales, as well, while some are offering Sunday business hours for those who are unable to shop during the weekday. Here’s a full list of participating businesses in this Sunday’s Holiday Open House event:

Fish Net

Ludwig Bakery

Knit Unto Others

Slim and Shorty’s

Southern Bancorp

Java Primo

Mary and Martha’s

Samantha’s bakery

Arkadelphia Arts Center

Kelzeks Fine Jewelry 

The Farmhouse

Shuffield Music

Looking Good Men’s store 

Young Forever

Hardman Interiors

Adorn Boutique

Violet Fields Boutique 

The Plaza at Twin Rivers