CELINA-A group of merchants have joined forces to hold open house events this weekend, running at various stores from Thursday through Sunday.

They hope timing their sales and holiday open houses together will offer shoppers a better selection and give them more reason to shop early here in their hometown for the holidays.

The participating  businesses stretch nearly from one end to the other of the “downtown” area, running from the northwest side of the public square up the lower part of East Lake Avenue. All are easily within walking distance of each other if shoppers want to take a holiday stroll.

Downtown businesses participating in the open house weekend and some details on each are:

• Celina Flower and Gifts–located on the southeast corner of the 4-way stop, their open house is Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8:30-5. 

• Clay County Florist–located on the east side of the courthouse square, their open house is Friday and Saturday from 9-5, and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. 

• Country Corner–located almost equidistant from the square and the 4-way stop on West Lake Avenue, their open house is Friday and Saturday from 8:30-5, and Sunday from 1-5.

• Dutch Craft–located on East Lake Avenue, their open house will be Friday 10-5 and Saturday 9-2.

• Nanny’s Trunk–located on the southwest corner of the 4-way stop, their open house is set for 9-5 on Friday and Saturday, and 1-5 on Sunday.

• Thompson’s Jewelry–located on East Lake Avenue, their open house is set for Friday and Saturday.

• Ain’t That Nice–located on the northwest corner of the square, their open house is set for 9:30-5:30 on Friday and Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday.