NORTHPORT, Ala. (WIAT) - For over two decades the Northport Merchants Association has hosted a beloved holiday tradition for the people of West Alabama; where historic downtown Northport is transformed into a scene straight out of a Charles Dickens novel.  Appropriately named, Dickens Downtown, takes the Christmas spirit straight from the story of A Christmas Carol.  Businesses within the area worked tirelessly on Tuesday afternoon to decorate, bag peanuts, dress up in period costumes, and polish up their stores.  The event includes choirs, bagpipes, and numerous other performances including some man-made snowfall along Main Street.  The large majority of the event and refreshments are completely free.  Organizers say it is their early Christmas gift to the community each year.  It's also a way to bring attention to the local charm of historic downtown Northport, and hopefully bring more business to the city.  Proceeds from the event goes towards the Northport Merchants Association's adopt-a-school program, benefitting Sprayberry Elementary.  CBS 42's Leigh Garner reports.