Old Town Clovis business owner Kirk Boudreaux has put a lot of time and energy into the design of his Christmas display at Suquie's Treasures.
"We cut the reindeer out with the pattern and brought them inside and spent six weeks painting them by hand," Boudreaux said.
He says he got the idea 25 years ago after entering into a community contest in Phoenix, Ariz. and taking home the first place prize. He is now hoping his award-winning decorations will attract new business to the store he opened just seven months ago.
"All the businesses are required to be decorated outside and inside by Wednesday," Boudreaux said.
That's because Thursday night Old Town Clovis will host One Enchanted Evening the official kick-off to the holiday shopping season.
"We'll have horse drawn carriages and Bank of Sierra will be out here serving hot chocolate to people. Madeline's Bridal will have a runway show with dresses and all. As well as a bunch of different groups going around and doing caroling," Carol Lester with the Business Organization of Old Town said.
The event is designed to boost business among the mom and pop shops who call Old Town Clovis home.
"We really encourage people to shop local. These are all family run businesses, we have no chain stores," Lester said.
Merchants, the business organization of Old Town, says make about 60 to 70 percent of their annual salary during the holidays alone.
"We decorate our arbors, everyone gets in the spirit and by the 21st all of our stores will be decorated for Christmas so they can sail through thanksgiving and really hit it will small business Saturday." Lester said.
A day devoted to local businesses by not charging customers sales tax. Shop Owners like Boudreaux say the decorations also put people in the spirit of Christmas. And each ornament he put up is a way of saying thanks to the community for their support.
"We always wrap up some empty boxes of presents and put them on the back of the sled so just as if Santa just appeared to this house for delivery," Boudreaux said.
