It’s “Christmas in Constantine” time as the St. Joseph County community gets into the spirit of the season this week.

Friday’s (December 4th) calendar is highlighted by a Scavenger Hunt with the following rules:

•    Visit the nine participating vendors (Constantine Antique Emporium, Constantine Auto Parts & Hardware, Constantine TV & Radio, Cindy’s Whimsies, Harvey House, Jay & Kay Floral, Karen’s Resale Shop, Piper’s Grinders and River’s Edge Gallery).
•    Look for one of the Constantine decorations shown on the map that’s available at any of the participating vendors.
•    When you find it have that vendor stamp your map paper.
•    Once you find all nine items you’re DONE.
•    Turn your paper in to the last vendor before you leave the store.

The prize drawing will take place on Saturday (December 5th) around 10 a.m.  You do not need to be present to win.  You will be notified by telephone.

The prizes are three gift certificates provided by the Constantine Brainstormers in the amounts of $25 (1st Prize), $15 (2nd Prize), and $5 (3rd Prize).  These gift certificates are to be used only at the participating Constantine merchant business sites by December 24th, 2009.

Friday’s lineup also includes a Retailers Open House with light refreshments from 4 to 7 p.m., carolers at 6 p.m., and a Spaghetti Supper with Santa at the Constantine American Legion from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 410.

Christmas in Constantine will wrap up on Saturday with Santa Claus in the Village Inn Restaurant at 180 South Washington Street from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and reindeer in Shelby Park, also from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Downtown stores will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

There will be food boxes in different stores for donating canned goods for the local food pantry.

Saturday’s schedule also includes a Holiday Craft Bazaar at Eastside Elementary School from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.