By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Anyone looking for a unique gift this holiday season might want to attend a hometown-sponsored shopping event.

Peabody American Legion Auxiliary will have a Christmas Showcase from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 2.

An assortment of home-based businesses will offer items for sale and Santa will visit with kids from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Raffle tickets will be sold for $100 in Peabody Bucks. Tickets are $2 each or three for $5, with proceeds going to Peabody-Burns school supply fund. Drawing will be at noon and the winner does not have to be present to win.

Twelve vendors will offer such items as cooking and cleaning supplies, essential oils, homemade foods, jewelry, arts, and décor items.

Baked goods and sales of Avenue of Flag T-shirts will round out the unique items offered.

Down Home Christmas in Hillsboro is also 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 2.

Among the special events are crafts classes at Kesslers; crafts at the bowling alley; face painting for a $1 donation to Hillsboro cheerleaders from 10 a.m. to noon at The Cut Above; Santa at Et Cetera Shop; library story time at 10 a.m.; and home-based businesses on display at Kesslers, Nancy’s and Prudent Tours.

Hot chocolate will be served at the Chamber of Commerce office.

This year’s Lincolnville Shopping Extravaganza will be 10:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 9 at Lincolnville Community Building.

The event features Christmas shopping opportunities with local vendors, visits with Santa, and a soup benefit with proceeds going to Lincolnville Octoberfest.