LAKE COUNTY – To encourage participation by the public, local merchants and vendors in the Dickens' Christmas Market theme, the Lake County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a costume workshop.

The workshop, “Dickens On A Dime,” will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at the Soper-Reese Community Theatre, 275 S. Main St., Lakeport.

Lyle Colburn and David Green of C&G Enterprises, along with Bert Hutt, artistic director for the Soper-Reese, will present ideas on how you can dress in a Dickens costume by using clothing already in your closet to create your own costume.

You are encouraged to bring articles from your closet that you think may work and the presenters will advise on how to proceed.

You also can find “treasures” at such shops as People Services Thrift Store at 395 N. Main in Lakeport or Hospice of Lake County Thrift Stores, 1701 S. Main, Lakeport, or 14290 Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake.

A costume contest is being held during the Dickens Christmas Market with $100 prize for best costume by an individual, couple and vendor/merchant.