Chamber mixer to light up holidays

The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration grounds are beautiful many times of the year -- from the first rush of spring colors to the power and glory of the World Grand Championship. But when the lights go on for the holiday season, it's as though you've entered a whole new world.

The Bedford County Chamber of Commerce likes to usher in that world by holding its annual Chamber Mixer the night the lights go on.

"It's a good way to kick off the holiday," said Kim Taylor, with the chamber. "We hold it at the Blue Ribbon Circle on the same night the Celebration turns on the Christmas lights."

The mixer this year willl be held Tuesday, Nov. 25, from 5 to 7 p.m.

"It's open to the public and it's free," said Taylor. "Our sponsors help pay for it."

The recent economic downturn has affected sponsorship a little bit, she said, but many businesses and individuals are already showing the generosity of the season.

"We have four categories of sponsorship," she said. "Silver Bells" sponsors, who give $500 or more, so far include Atmos Energy and Heritage Medical Center.

"Candy Cane" sponsors give $250 or more and those contributors so far include: Ascend FCU, First Bank, Peoples Bank, StorNLoc and Big G Express. The "Santa's Helpers," at $100, include: Craig & Wheeler, Tonya Davis, Maj. David Evans, Heritage Jewelers, Heritage South Community Credit Union, Webb-Mason, H.B Cowan and Co., Lowery Jewelers, Lisa Turner CPA, and Shelbyville Lumber Company.

In-kind sponsors include the Times-Gazette, Coca-Cola, Randstad, M&L Greenhouse, Celebration Center Florist and Bakery, Mary's Flowers and Philpot Printing.

The evening will offer a variety of finger foods and drinks and everyone is encouraged to attend.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

For more information, or to help sponsor the evening, call Kim Taylor or Lisa Carden at the chamber, 684-3482.