Merchants in downtown Greensburg will hold their 51st Annual Downtown Greensburg Holiday Open House and Customer Appreciation Day from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 15.

Mary Wilmes, owner of Penelope’s gift shop on South Pennsylvania Avenue, says the store has participated in the event for over 30 years.

“At least that long. We’ve always participated in any town events,” she says.

Offering shopping hours on a Sunday is a way for independent business operators to thank their customers, Wilmes adds.

“It’s something we’ve done as merchants for many years. We used to do it in November, before Thanksgiving,” she says.

The proliferation of events in November, from Ladies Night to Small Business Saturday to Luminary Night, led the group last year to move the day to mid-December.

Penelope’s and Descendants Children’s Boutique, on West Second Street, will be among merchants collecting non-perishable food donations for the Westmoreland County Food Bank.

“Most everyone will have refreshments in their stores. It’s kind of a nice way for people to do last minute shopping, and for us to say thank you for what they have done for us this year,” Wilmes says.

Kevin Miscik, owner of Lapels A Fine Men’s Clothier, also on South Pennsylvania Avenue, is chairing the event. His business has participated for 17 years.

“I think it’s wonderful for a city of our size to carry off a tradition for over 50 years,” he says.

He expects more than half of the retail shops on Pennsylvania and Maple avenues and Second and Main streets to be open on Sunday. Some stores will offer special discounts or gift wrapping as part of the promotion.

Miscik is holding his annual Ladies Day Out shopping event both Dec. 14-15, anticipating lots of shoppers on both days.

He says some customers have mentioned that many of the downtown holiday events are “front-loaded” in November, and asked that the open house be moved into December.

“There are so many people that love this downtown and want it to grow and support it,” Miscik says.

City lot and metered street parking will be free on Sunday, he adds.

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