Christmas carols now echo along Commercial Street and wreaths adorn the light poles, signaling Emporia’s official welcome to the holiday season.

On Tuesday, crews from the Public Works and Parks departments installed the wreaths downtown in preparation for the annual decoration and lighting ceremony, set for 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2. The 47th Annual Christmas Parade, themed “It’s a Country Christmas,” will follow at 7 p.m.

This weekend also marks the start of the holiday shopping rush. Black Friday sales begin today across Emporia, and Small Business Saturday is expected to bring crowds downtown. Shoppers are encouraged to support local merchants throughout the season. As part of the celebration, Emporia Main Street will host an Elf Scavenger Hunt from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Participants wh

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