Palatine opens holiday season with downtown event Nov. 20-21

The Downtown Palatine Business Association is kicking off the 2009 holiday shopping season with "Holidays on the Town," Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20-21. The two-day event will have wine, music, food, special holiday sales, events and demonstrations from more than 20 downtown businesses.

Restaurants, retailers and other downtown Palatine merchants will open their doors for the Holiday Wine & Taste Walk, 5- 9.m. Friday, Nov. 20; adults enjoy a sampling of wines, beverages, appetizers and desserts. From 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, A Very Merry Shopping Event will have holiday-inspired demonstrations, special sales and entertainment. Admission free both days. Pick up an event passport and enter to win raffle prizes.

On Saturday, end the day with a trip to Towne Square for the Children's Chorus and Palatine tree lighting ceremony.

Participating merchants are Anne's Unique Boutique, Bodi Bronz Tanning Salon, Chandelier Boutique, Dobby's Worldwide Liquors, The Drum Pad, Durty Nellie's, Emmett's Tavern & Brewing Co., Facets of Isis, Foxglove Cottage, Harrington Manor, The Heritage of Palatine, Lamplighter Inn Tavern & Grille, A Little Something Sweet, Monson Jewelers, The Music Room, The Nelson Group, Palatine Bank & Trust, Patti's Pretties, Polished Nail Salon & Boutique, and Nancy Summers, attorney at law.

Event sponsors are Dobby's Worldwide Liquor and Harris Bank.

"This is a great opportunity to get to know the unique shops, salons, restaurants and businesses that keep our downtown vibrant," said Carol Cook, president of the association and owner of The Music Room. "And in these difficult economic times, no one appreciates your business more than small local businesses."

Visit downtownpalatine.org for details.