Zoe Richards, director of Main Street Portsmouth, said the downtown area of Portsmouth is gearing up for another holiday season.

Richards said another open house event is scheduled for Dec. 12.

“We’re also having a gingerbread house contest on Dec. 12 with the Southern Ohio Museum,” Richards said. “The Christmas tree will be lit that day. And it’s to encourage people to come into the museum and check out their exhibit, as well as get the community involved in a good old-fashioned Christmas holiday and season.”

Gingerbread houses will be on display at Southern Ohio Museum, and the winner will be chosen by popular voice that day, and prizes awarded.

Richards said gingerbread houses are not to be larger than 24 inches by 24 inches square, and must be at least 90 percent edible.

Registration and $5 fee are due by Dec. 4.

Richards refers to shopping the downtown Portsmouth area as an “all-around experience.”

“It’s destination shopping,” Richards said. “When you come downtown you’re not just shopping. You’re also enjoying the experience. The customer service is an amazing display of that personal one-on-one attention, as well as the unique gifts and items you can find. For example, at B Sweete Chocolaterie there are one-of-a-kind gifts you can’t find at the big box stores.”

FRANK LEWIS may be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 232.