The countdown is on at area businesses as they prepare for the upcoming North Carolina sales tax-free weekend this Friday through Sunday.

This is the states ninth sales tax holiday. Enacted by the General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Mike Easley in 2001, the holiday is designed to help families save money on back-to-school items, although anyone can take advantage.

Supply lists for students are available from Polk County Schools, with slight variations depending on grade level and specific teacher requests.

Managers and clerks at area stores said they have been busy for the last several weeks in preparation for the big weekend.