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OCCOQUAN, Va. — All was merry and bright as local businesses that line the streets of Occoquan opened their doors for the town’s annual Open House and tree lighting this past Friday night. Hosted by the Business Guild of Occoquan, the Open House ran from 4 to 8 p.m., signaling the beginning of the busy Christmas shopping season.
Lined with tinsel, wreathes and glowing lights, the streets were bustling with families picking up knick-knacks and holiday decorations from Glory Be, and warm beverages from the Blue Arbor Café.
After eight o’clock, all gathered at the Town Hall for the tree lighting ceremony, which was proceeded over by Occoquan Town Mayor Earnie Porta. After the tree came to light, the large crowd moved to Hawthorne House Fine Papers, where $1,000 in gift certificates to Occoquan businesses were raffled off.
The success of this year’s Open House shows that small locally owned businesses will continue to be a beacon for residents that are looking for unique gifts for the holidays, said Porta.
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