On Saturday, Nov. 19, the Downtown Franklin Association will host its annual Christmas Open House, which marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season in Franklin.

Many downtown businesses will offer special sales and have tickets available for free carriage rides. You can also stop by the DFA’s Main Street welcome center for complimentary refreshments.

The open house is an important occasion on a couple of fronts.

First, it is a good opportunity for local residents who don’t normally shop downtown to come and see what is available in their own back yard. There are a wide variety of merchants, service providers and eateries to satisfy a wide variety of needs, wants and tastes.

If you haven’t been downtown in awhile, next weekend is a great opportunity to visit.

Second, it gives us a chance to remind you of the importance in spending your money locally.

Certainly, there will be a trip or two to the malls in Richmond and Hampton Roads this holiday season. But whenever possible, look for ways to spend in the shops owned by our friends and neighbors.