Lily Hull browses through fall clothing racks at I Just Have To Have It in downtown Meridian on Thursday during the Downtown Meridian Holiday Retail Open House. Photo by Thomas Howard
Donna and Rhett Payne watch as renowned Mississippi artist Wyatt Waters draws a special sketch for them at Crooked Letter on Thursday. Waters was signing copies of his new book in addition to the store participating in the Downtown Meridian Holiday Retail Open House. Photo by Thomas Howard
Laighton Higginbotham, left, and Tammy Yates help shoppers at The Robin’s Nest in downtown Meridian on Thursday during the Downtown Meridian Holiday Retail Open House. Photo by Thomas Howard
Shoppers, deal seekers and residents trying to chip away at their Christmas lists flocked to downtown Meridian on Thursday for the Downtown Meridian Holiday Retail Open House. More than a dozen businesses participated in the event offering special promotions, deals, drawings and more to spread holiday cheer and help residents find the perfect gifts.