Saturday, 4:15 p.m.: At Hanford's Earlier Than the Bird Sale, held in historic downtown Hanford, early morning shoppers had the opportunity to get a jump-start on their holiday shopping with up to 30-percent-off purchases.

The event started at 7 a.m. and lasts all day.

Saturday, 7:00 a.m.: Downtown Hanford is hoping for business early this morning.

Merchants downtown are opening early today - 7 a.m. to be exact -- as part of Main Street Hanford's "Earlier than the Bird" sale. As part of the sale, early shoppers will be in line for the deepest discounts, which will then scale back as the day progresses. Some stores will offer coffee, cider, cookies and doughnuts for early shoppers.

Also, many merchants  will be  providing gift wrapping of purchases at no extra charge. Shoppers can also sign up at participating merchants for a chance to win one of two $25 gift certificates, or two tickets to the Wine and Chocolate Tasting event on Dec. 3, courtesy of Main Street Hanford.

Tickets are also on sale for the Wine and Chocolate Tasting. Numerous downtown businesses will participate in the annual event and tickets sales are limited to 1,000 total.

Information: Main Street Hanford at 582-9457.

(Nov. 7, 2009)