By Donna Thornton/News Editor
Attalla merchants and officials welcome everyone today (Nov. 30) and Saturday to Christmas Open House, with special sales, events, entertainment, a live Nativity and a couple of special visitors as the city kicks off its Christmas activities. From 4 to 6 p.m. this evening children can have free photos made with Santa Claus at Ferguson’s Wedding Chapel, sponsored by Sarrell Dental.
Carolers will perform in the streets from 5 to 6 p.m. today and everyone is invited for the tree lighting at the Gazebo at 6 p.m.
Compliments of Wells Fargo Bank, there will be free hot cider at the Gazebo from 4 to 6 p.m. this evening and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
On Saturday, Alabama Entertainers will perform at the Gazebo from 11 to 11:30 a.m., followed by the Etowah Singers, from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The First Baptist Church of Attalla will perform a live Nativity from 12 to 5 p.m. Children will have a chance to visit with Santa Claus at the Gazebo Saturday, from 2 to 3 p.m.
Sarrell Dental will feature another special guest, former Jacksonville State University quarterback and former New York Giants signee Ryan Perriloux.
Perriloux started his college career at Louisiana State University before transferring to Jacksonville State.
After college he played for the Hartford Colonials in the UFL, and signed with the Giants. Perriloux is now a free agent, and is working with Sarrell Dental in a community outreach program for the childern’s dental care provider.
Perriloux will be signing autographs at the wedding chapel from 4 to 6 p.m. this evening.
In addition to the events this weekend, Attalla’s Christmas Parade is slated for 6 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 6) on Fourth Street downtown.
A live Christmas Nativity will be located at the corner of 3rd Street/U.S. 11 and 5th Avenue NW in Attalla from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 14 and 15, and Dec. 21 and 22.