Cocoa and Carols offers holiday shopping, prizes in Erwin

Holiday lights, hot cocoa and live carolers will meet in downtown Erwin on Dec. 13 as the community gathers for the Chamber's annual Cocoa and Carols celebration.The Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Town of Erwin, invites the community to Cocoa & Carols, a festive evening designed to bring neighbors together, celebrate the holiday season and support local businesses in downtown Erwin.The event will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, with activities beginning at the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce office, according to a press release from the Chamber."We are thrilled to bring Cocoa & Carols to downtown Erwin once again," said Amanda Delp, executive director of the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce. "This event is all about enjoying the holiday spirit with friends and neighbors while showcasing the wonderful small businesses that make our community so special."Guests are encouraged to begin their evening by picking up a special cocoa mug and a Downtown Shopping Passport at the Chamber office. From there, attendees can stroll through a decorated Main Street, where participating businesses will be offering complimentary hot chocolate, each with its own unique twist, flavor and holiday flair.As visitors sip and shop, they can use their Shopping Passport to collect stamps at participating locations. Once completed, passports may be returned to the Chamber office to be entered for a chance to win a $150 gift certificate to the downtown business of the winner's choice, according to the release.Holiday shoppers will also enjoy a bonus chance to win: every purchase made at a participating business earns an additional entry into the prize drawing. The more guests support local merchants, the more opportunities they have to win.The evening will also be filled with holiday carolers, adding festive charm as attendees explore downtown Erwin's shops, restaurants and boutiques. Cocoa & Carols is designed to celebrate community, encourage local shopping and spread Christmas cheer throughout the season, according to the release.This year's event is once again proudly supported by Bank of Tennessee, which the Chamber describes as a longstanding financial institution committed to empowering East Tennessee communities. With a focus on local relationships, accessible banking and community investment, Bank of Tennessee continues to champion initiatives that strengthen small towns and support economic growth, according to the release."We are incredibly grateful for the support of Bank of Tennessee," Delp said. "Their partnership helps us offer a warm, festive, and welcoming experience for everyone attending. Community-focused partners like Bank of Tennessee play a vital role in helping us grow events like this and continue creating opportunities that benefit both residents and local businesses.""This celebration is the perfect way to enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of Christmas in downtown Erwin," Delp added. "We hope families will come out, sip hot cocoa, listen to carolers, and enjoy a memorable night supporting the shops and entrepreneurs who help make our community shine."For more information about Cocoa & Carols, participating businesses or prize entry details, please contact the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce at (423) 743-3000.