An event meant to kick off the Christmas shopping season in Oskaloosa will continue next year.

The Chamber of Commerce organizes the annual Christmas Walk on the Saturday after Black Friday.  The numbers of shoppers participating in this year's event still aren't in, but the chamber says it hears good feedback from shoppers and retailers.

Events organizer Karen Hafner says she's planning for a fourth annual Christmas Walk based on the initial response. She said earlier this would be a critical year in deciding whether the Christmas Walk would continue.

"I think the retailers want it to go on so that's what we're trying to do, work with the retailers. The event isn't so to make people spend so much as they go in the door, but it's to get new people in so you can see what Oskaloosa has to offer," says Hafner.

28 retailers participated in the Christmas Walk this year. They had special prizes or offerings. Shoppers visiting participating stores could sign up for larger prizes awarded by the chamber. Hafner says she plans to talk to retailers soon to get an idea of how many shoppers participated in the walk.

In general, store managers have a mixed outlook on whether consumers will spend a lot of money locally this holiday season. Some say they see shoppers so far parting easily with their money. Others say they think budget and tax issues in Washington will hurt holiday spending.