Carolers set holiday mood, encourage small business shopping

We are in the middle of the holiday season, and for many that means winter weather, carolers, and a big time for local businesses.  In Berlin Friday night, an inaugural event included all of the above.

Dozens of carolers stood in front of the Atlantic Hotel on a snowy night to promote I heart Berlin Night, a way to get people in the holiday cheer while promoting local businesses.

"This time of year when the tourists aren't as heavy I'd really like to encourage as many local people to shop local.  They're our neighbors, let's just love on everybody," said coordinator Gail Crosby.

"With small towns that we have here and this type of event that's going on it is really great for small towns and the community to get together and promote the holiday spirits," said Atlantic Hot bar manager Jim Wilson.

Carolers from four local churches – Ocean City Worship Center, Solid Rock, Sunrise Church, and Trinity Church – partnering with the goal of helping local businesses, but also to spread holiday joy and Christmas cheer.

"We wanted to bring the community together and bring some unity between our churches and in the community," said Pastor Mack Palmer, with Ocean City Worship Center.  "And we live here in Berlin, we shop here in Berlin, and we just wanted to come together and bless Berlin."

Local businesses are a part of a separate program, placing pages of a Christmas story in their windows to promote window shopping.