WELLS — Downtown Wells will host its annual Wells Does it Bright celebration on Friday.

Organized by the Wells Area Chamber of Commerce, the yearly event is always the weekend before Thanksgiving, encouraging those in the community to remember to shop locally and allowing businesses the opportunity to thank their customers for their patronage by hosting special events, giveaways and extending their hours.

BevComm will host an open house from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Wells Depot Museum will also be open from noon to 7 p.m.

Paragon Bank will once again offer pictures with Santa Claus. The jolly old soul will make a special appearance from 2 to 5:30 p.m. at the bank. Appointments are recommended and can be made from 2 to 5 p.m. with the last half hour being dedicated for those without appointments. Loan Officer Beth Hansen said the bank is hoping that parents of younger children will be able to take advantage of the time before school lets out and older children begin flooding in. The additional hour will give the little ones the extra time they may need to have a positive experience. To make an appointment call 507-553-6311. The $1 fee for the pictures is donated to the Wells Area Chamber of Commerce.

Peoples State Bank is sponsoring a free movie. “Inside Out” will be shown at 4 p.m. at Flame Theatre.

Wells Federal Bank is partnering with Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home to provide free horse and buggy rides from 5 to 7 p.m. Riders will depart from the Wells Federal Bank parking lot.

Those who bring their appetites to the event shouldn’t be left disappointed, as there are various options available to get some grub. The Wells Community Ambulance Service will have its annual all-you-can-eat soup supper starting at 4 p.m. at the ambulance garage. It will end when the soup is gone. The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children.

Wells Bake Shop will be open from 4:30 to 7 p.m. for customers to try samples of some of the business’ specialty treats and place their holiday orders. Sweet treats will also be available at the Shepherd’s Inn bake sale from 4 to 6 p.m.

Adults can enjoy beer and wine tasting from 4 to 6 p.m. at Wells Municipal Liquor Store.

Wells Public Library will host author Rod Van Wyngarden. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the author. His books will be available, and there will be a special reading at 6 p.m. Other events at the library include edible crafts for kids and a used book sale.

There will be a home-based business and craft sale from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Wells Community Center. Thirty-One, Mary Kay, Jamberry Nails and Scentsy representatives are just a few signed up to be at the event. The Wells Area Jaycees will also host Christmas crafts and cookie decorating for kids at the Community Center.

Different downtown business will host special promotions as well.

For those who worry about getting a gift home without that special someone sneaking a peek can take advantage of the gift wrapping available at the Wells Area Chamber office. Volunteers there will gladly wrap two presents per family at no charge.

Wells Does it Bright encourages area residents to remember to shop locally and support small businesses.