The ballots are all in and the viewers have spoken – Marketplace Quilts is the Viewer’s Choice Winner for the 2009 Holiday Window Contest. Congratulations to Marketplace Quilts and the lucky ballot winner: Jerry Gould of New Hampshire. Jerry wins a fantastic stocking filled with wonderful items from participating downtown stores including: A wooden toy truck from Cruncy Granola Baby, Sea Salts and other items from Laura Lanes Skin Care, a gift certificate from Living With Pets, a quilt calendar from Marketplace Quilts, a ladies wallet from Quintessentials, a $75 make up lesson from Rouge Cosmetics, a signature coffee cup from Roost, Candles from Signatures, and a gift certificate from Thai Place. Come downtown to do your last minute holiday shopping and enjoy the windows now through December 25.
This year’s Holiday Window Contest has some fierce competition for Most Whimsical and Most Original Windows. which will be judged by the SMS Design Committee. You, too, can participate in the contest by voting for your favorite window at all participating businesses. Voting ballots will be entered in a free raffle for a holiday stocking on December 11. Come downtown and view the windows, you won’t be disappointed. For a contest program stop by 265 Essex Street or 
Yes, this Friday Santa will finally be arriving in Salem atop the Hawthorne Hotel around 5:30 p.m. All festivities which were planned for the event last Friday will occur this Friday, December 4. Santa and Mayor Driscoll will light the downtown tree at about 6:15 p.m. After the lighting Santa will be available in the Museum Place Mall for photos with children. Come enjoy the holiday music and festivities. The Salem High School Alumni will be providing hot chocolate on the common and the Gathering will provide caroling at both locations. It promises to be a fun evening for all.