By By BRIAN BLACKLEY
Publisher
The Atmore Christmas Twilight Parade capped a fun-filled Saturday when what some are estimating was a "record crowd" was in attendance.
According to Emilie Mims, director of the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce, the crowd and support for the parade was enormous.
Mims said this year's entries in the parade also made it a marvel.
Judy Pylate, parade organizer, agreed.
Also in conjunction with the parade were other events including Breakfast With Santa which gave local kids the chance to have their picture taken with the gift-bringer, and the Children's Parade, which was packed with fun and good entries.
In addition to the day's events, the city had just launched its new plan to spur business in the form of a one-month forfeiture of city sales tax. The bold move, which is unlike any other in recent memory in the state, results in a three percent savings on all local merchandise thanks to the city's willingness to forfeit its three cents on the dollar of local retail sales.
The parade and other events had gaps between time schedules to allow people plenty of time to check out the bargains around town.
Mims also encourages area residents to take advantage of additional savings offered on some merchandise by local merchants.
The city will re-institute its tax effective January 1. The loss of revenue for the month of December will cost the city between $225,000 and $250,000, but Mayor Howard Shell thinks it's worth it.
The city passed the tax ordinance last week in a unanimous decision by the Atmore City Council.