Beat the crowds at the after Thanksgiving sales by attending a special holiday open house at the Balfour Beatty Communities Center.

“This is the first time anyone has done this in Balfour Beatty,” said Kelly Barchanowicz, Life Works Coordinator, who has organized the Holiday Shopping Bazaar from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6.

Barchanowicz has arranged for representatives from several home-based businesses to bring their products for the event. Cosmetics and fragrances, candles and kitchen related items will be among those offered.

There will also be holiday-themed prizes and refreshments, she said.

“We are super excited about this,” she said. The holiday market is one of many activities scheduled during November.

Nov. 10 is an early release day for Richmond County schools so give Freedom Park Elementary School students a fun way to spend the afternoon by visiting the community center for a showing of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving at 1:30 p.m. That will be followed up by Charlie Brown and the Mayflower Voyagers.

Another special fall happening is the crock pot cooking class from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nov. 17.

Come in for a demonstration on how to make quick and easy home-cooked meals for people on the go.

If you miss this session, another one is scheduled for December.

For more information on community programs, call Barchanowicz at 706-772-7041 or email at kbarchanowicz@bbcgrp.com.