Candlelight Shopping on November 25 will be a chance to get your Christmas shopping off to a good start by shopping at home first, said Washington's tourism director Ashley Barnett, and it's vital to keep every dollar possible in Wilkes County.

"Now more than ever, in the economic times we are in, let's make an extra effort to shop locally and support our businesses," she said.

Especially with shoppers cutting back this holiday season, she said, it's even more important to keep those shrinking dollars here. "Every dollar you spend outside this county, you are helping another county gain infrastructure, roads, jobs, and so much more. Let's keep our dollars in our county - so we can see our community strive to be the best place to live, work and play!"

Every dollar spent in Wilkes County puts a penny toward paying off the new school building, and that money needs to be spent here to stay here, she said.

Barnett, who grew up in Gwinnett County, says shopping at home first takes some adjustment, but it can be done. "When I first moved here, I wondered how I was going to live without the chain stores," she said, "but now I know I can live without them. I can honestly say, I buy almost every gift I give in Washington.

"Our local merchants work hard to make sure their customers are happy and go the extra mile to help you find that special gift you were looking for," Barnett said.

She issued a holiday challenge for local shoppers who feel they must shop out of town. "If you do not think you can find something for a friend or family member this holiday season, stop by the Chamber and would be glad to help you find that special gift - in Wilkes County."

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is sponsoring the Candlelight Shopping Tuesday Nov. 25 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.