CROWLEY – The city of Crowley is gearing up for the holiday season starting this weekend.

Beginning Thursday, Nov. 29 through Saturday, Dec. 1, Crowley’s holiday shopping extravaganza, the “17th Annual Ribbons & Rice” will promote local businesses and give residents the chance to find something for everyone on their shopping list.

“Local businesses are owned by people who live here, who are not leaving, and are more vested in our community,” said Amy Thibodeaux, Crowley Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. “Ribbons & Rice is a great way to do your holiday shopping locally while enjoying some great sales and discounts being offered by these small businesses.”

Merchants throughout the city will be participating in the three-day event that is sure to start getting everyone in the holiday spirit.

Merchants include Salvador’s Jewelers, Ray’s Gifts and Interiors, Crowley Flower Shop and Gifts, La. Church Interiors and Gifts, Huval’s, Gibson PC, Adams Apple, Brandt’s Jewelers, Milk ’n Mama’s, What A Girl Wants and Gail’s Gifts.

The merchants will be featuring specials like a certain percentage off of selected items or, in some cases, the entire store. Some will even have giveaways, like What A Girl Wants will register people for a $25 gift card, Crowley Flower Shop and Gifts’ door prize or Huval’s free shirt with shoe purchase.

After Ribbons & Rice, Crowley’s holiday spirit will continue to grow with “Christmas in Crowley: A Holiday Affair” on Wednesday, Dec. 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Historic Downtown Crowley. There will be pictures with Santa, “Choirs on the Avenue” and much more.

The next day, Santa and his sleigh will be rolling through the streets of Crowley when the Crowley Kiwanis Christmas Parade takes place at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6.

Also going on will be the Crowley Garden Club’s holiday evergreen wreaths, swags, garland and poinsettias sale. The proceeds from the sale are used to benefit civic beautification projects in the community. To place an order, call 337.783.2811.

The chamber also reminds residents that “Chamber Ca$h” makes a great gift. The gift certificates can be purchased at the chamber office and can be redeemed at over 70 local merchants and businesses.