"They were packed in here," one merchant said of last week's successful Candlelight Shopping in Washington. "There was a line to get in. I can't wait 'til next week."

Washington-Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Director Ashley Barnett said that the event last Tuesday night brought crowds from all over to shop at downtown stores and dine in restaurants around The Square. "People were lined up to get into Restore Galore," she said, "and every restaurant and sandwich shop was full."

Many of the shoppers were from out of town, she said. "They told me they'd rather Christmas shop in Washington than Atlanta, and they never miss Candlelight Shopping."

If you missed the first night of shopping, you have another chance next Tuesday. "I think we're going to see good crowds for the return of Candlelight Shopping next Tuesday, December 9, because people are really determined to shop Wilkes County if they can."

Stores will be open again Tuesday night, December 9, from 6 to 9.