Paducah will be like Dickens’ England on Saturday

PADUCAH, Ky. (AP) — Victorian England will sweep into downtown Paducah on Saturday as promoters hope to shift the focus of holiday shopping to local businesses with Charles Dickens-themed events.

Organizers plan free Victorian carriage rides; dancers, choirs and carolers singing through town; and storytime at the Courtyard Bookstore.

Santa will arrive at 10 a.m. CST, and there’s also a bake sale, free hot chocolate and coffee, roasted nuts and s’mores. The event continues until 5 p.m. The full schedule is at http://paducahmainstreet.org .

Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Mary Hammond says the event supports local businesses against a backdrop of tradition and the city’s family-friendly attributes and rich history.

The promotion is one of at least 20 "Small Business Saturday" events that are part of the Kentucky Heritage Council’s Main Street Program.

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