By Emma Bouthillette 

Staff Writer

As families are putting away the Thanksgiving leftovers, Kennebunkport is gearing up for the 27^th annual Christmas Prelude. 

The Christmas Prelude began in 1982 when the Kennebunkport Business Association decided to host an event to give back to  residents for their support throughout the year, as well as their patience during the summer tourist season. Prelude Chairman Sheila Matthews-Bull said the first year was an “absolute success” and the event bloomed from there.

This year, Prelude has events scheduled during a 10-day period starting with the first weekend in December. Matthews-Bull said the planning committee works during the entire year to organize performers, events and involve area businesses and organizations. Association dues help fund the celebration. By the end of November, the schedule is created and all that is left is decorating and enjoying the seasonal fun, she said. 

Kennebunk Kennebunkport Chamber of Commerce Director of Marketing Karen Duddy said she has been fielding inquiries from people throughout New England who are interested in the event.

“We are thrilled about the Prelude,” Duddy said. “The Kennebunkport Business Association does such a nice job putting it on.”

While businesses are excited for the draw of customers Prelude provides, some are concerned splurging on gifts is not in residents’ budgets. For that reason, Toys in the Attic owner Josephine Assennato has marked down her entire store with everything on sale for 40 percent off the original price. 

“I’m concerned about the economic times,” Assennato said. “I fear for the people and more for the children of families that can not afford gifts.”

It wouldn’t be Christmas without the latest toys under the tree, so Assennato said she is still stocking toys so she will have an adequate supply of what people want, but marking down all the retail prices. Some of her best selling toys include Ty Beanie Babies, Webkins, Leggos, Klutz books, dollhouses and pirate paraphernalia. 

“With the discounts, I’m not making a lot of money that way, but it gives me the opportunity to make children happy for Christmas,” she said. 

However, in light of the economic times some area businesses are optimistic about holiday shopping.

Abicus Manager Paula Osher said sales have been consistent through the fall, and she expects that will not change during Prelude. 

“People are going to want to come out and have a good time,” Osher said. “Our doors will be wide open despite the weather or temperature, and hopefully our decorations will get people in the store.”

Amy Gaynor, owner of Carrots and Company, was preparing for the holiday two weeks before Thanksgiving, stocking shelves with holiday gift ideas and a decorated Christmas tree propped in the green vintage Volkswagen Beetle parked in the middle of her store. She said the Prelude is one of her busiest times of the year, and it is a great time for families to “get out and have some fun.”

“Business has been slower, but November is always a little bit slow,” Gaynor said. “We’re being cautious, but sales are not as devastating like the news is saying it is.”

With Christmas only a month away, Kennebunkport businesses are hoping residents and visitors alike visit Dock Square for some festive activities, holiday goodies and to purchase a gift or two to help Santa. While the Christmas Prelude has events scheduled between Thursday, Dec. 4 and Sunday, Dec. 14, the stores will remain open through the holiday season.

 “The stores stay open offering sales, and it gives locals a chance to enjoy shopping at places they may avoid during the summer,” Matthews-Bull said.

The Christmas Prelude offers many familiar highlights including the tree lighting ceremony, caroling and the many craft fairs in the area, but Matthews-Bull said new additions should have residents looking out for the minstrel roaming the streets in Dock Square and Lower Village and participate in the third annual hat parade at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.

The 2008 Prelude kicks off at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4 with a Prelude Champagne Reception at the Nott House on Maine Street. 

Events continue on Friday, Dec. 5 with a tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m., followed by a live nativity scene on the front steps of South Congregational Church and the lighting of the lobster trap tree at 7 p.m. in Cape Porpoise.  

Many events continue through Sunday, Dec. 14 when Santa will join the children for breakfast from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Nonantum Resort on Ocean Avenue. For an entire detailed schedule, visit www.christmasprelude.com.