In an uncertain economy, the practicality of “buying locally” is being rekindled. With this in mind, “Hometown Christmas” will be celebrated in downtown Sistersville on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 5-9 p.m.

The event was developed as a way to boost the local economy during the holiday shopping season, while serving as an opportunity for area businesses to give back to the community. Sistersville Mayor Dave Fox said the event will be “like no other” and hopes it will become an annual observance.

Aside from extended business hours for area businesses and local vendors, there will be a cookie baking contest, an indoor Cornhole tournament, raffles and much more at the Fox’s Business & Activity Center on Wells Street. Applications for the contests are currently available at the city building on Diamond Street and there is no fee to enter.

Cash prizes will be awarded to winners of the cookie contest and the Cornhole Tournament.

Entrants to the cookie contest must provide one dozen cookies and a copy of their recipe.

Raffle tickets for donated items will be collected at each participating business the night of the event.

In conjunction with this event, The Wells Inn will be sponsoring a holiday decoration contest. Tyler County residents interested in participating in the contest should email a photograph of their outdoor holiday displays to editor@tylerstarnews.com by Dec. 8. Entries should include the name and telephone number of the parties responsible for the decorations.

Cash prizes will be awarded. The grand prize will be dinner for two at the Wells Inn.

Fox commented, “I welcome the community to come out and celebrate a night when our local businesses give back to our community. We are hoping to have Santa Claus and many of the local churches involved with music and food to entertain.”

Anyone interested in helping out with this event is asked to contact Fox at 304-771-3966.