TOWN PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER PREPARED FOR HOLIDAY SEASON

DISTINCTIVE LETTERING: Merchants at Town Plaza Shopping Center have new signs with distinctive lettering.

The weekend after Thanksgiving that marks the start of the big rush toward Christmas is almost upon us. The many merchants at Town Plaza Shopping Center have been busy stocking their shelves with quality merchandise at affordable prices.

Town Plaza has the gifts that are perfect for everyone on your shopping list. For business people, homemakers, gardeners, mechanics, hobbyists and kids, Town Plaza is the place to shop this holiday season.

Fashions for men and women, special clothing outfits for teens and toddlers, hardware supplies, sporting equipment, shoes, flowers, gift items, books and music -- there is plenty of everything from which to choose.

The parking is ample and the shops are easy to locate. You are sure to be greeted by friendly folks with pleasant smiles. And Town Plaza Shopping Center is sporting an exciting new look this Christmas.

"Earlier this year we put a whole new facade on the buildings," said Virginia Wiedefeld, president of the Town Plaza Merchants Association. "And all the merchants have new signs."

The major upgrade, which took several months, included resurfacing the parking lot and installing new exterior lighting. Two new shopping center signs were erected. Alongside William Street and Kingshighway, the signs are colorful -- bright yellow, red and blue.

Bright blue panels of aluminum were installed along the roof at the center, and the store fronts received new coats of paint.

"The center has been spiced up a lot and we're real pleased with all the new businesses that have come in," said Wiedefeld. "We have a great niche of stores that are stable and offer a lot of merchandise."

Of course, Christmas is fast approaching and Town Plaza is the scene of festive activity. Starting tomorrow and continuing on every Saturday until Christmas, Santa will be at the plaza strolling down the sidewalk and walking through the stores.

The annual coloring contest starts today and will run until Dec. 15. There are four age groups and each winner will receive a $50 coupon book of Town Plaza "dollars" to spend in participating stores. Pictures to color are available at merchants and in this section of today's newspaper.