By BRAD GASKINS / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – The Columbiana Merchants and Professionals Association is offering local kids a chance to buy Christmas presents for their parents – without mom or dad knowing what gift they’ll be getting.

“Shopping Without Parents” is Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The annual event is centered along Main Street.

Students from Shelby County High School and Cornerstone Christian School will escort the kids to local businesses, where the kids can purchase a range of gifts that will fit a kid’s budget.

The Shelby County Arts Council will have a variety of activities for the kids, and Santa will be on Main Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pictures with Santa will be available for purchase, or can be taken with personal cameras.

Piggly Wiggly is sponsoring the event.

“The members of the Merchants and Professionals Association are proud to partner with the local high schools and the Shelby County Arts Council to sponsor this event,” said Wayne Johnsey, president of the merchants and professionals association and manager of Piggly Wiggly, which is sponsoring the event.

“It’s an excellent way to promote our retail shops on Main Street, and to have the community consider shopping locally during this holiday season,” Johnsey added.