Heart of Danville announces annual holiday events line-up

Published 9:11 am Tuesday, November 21, 2017

HEART OF DANVILLE

News release

The Heart of Danville Main Street Program is once again preparing to welcome a series of festive events this holiday season. Gather with friends, family and loved ones to experience old and new holiday traditions in downtown Danville.

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On Saturday, Nov. 25, a new tradition in Danville will begin with the first ever Skate on Main Ice Rink in Weisiger Plaza from Saturday, Nov. 25, through Saturday, Dec. 23. Skate on Main will include a full calendar of joyful events including holiday music. The rink’s operating hours are Monday-Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 4 to 10 p.m. when schools are in session, Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. when schools are closed, and Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 12 to 8 p.m. There will be a $10 charge to skate, which will include skate rental and 60 minutes of skating time. People looking to make reservations or to host a party on the rink can contact the Heart of Danville or visit downtowndanville.com.

Continuing the celebration on Nov. 25 will be the eighth annual Small Business Saturday — a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities, sponsored by American Express. From 1-4 p.m. community organizations will be at Weisiger Plaza for Santa’s Workshop full of activities for all ages.

After a festive day of shopping downtown, grab a bite to eat at one of the favorite dining options found in downtown Danville, or stop by the annual Danville Fire Department’s Chili Supper at the Main Street fire station as they collect toys, or monetary donations, for their Toys for Tots Christmas drive.

Small Business Saturday does not end when the stores close, the evening of Saturday, Nov. 25 will be filled with joy during the annual Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony and the 37th annual Danville Christmas parade.

The Danville-Boyle County Christmas Parade is the longest-running public event in downtown Danville – and after three years of no parade, the Heart of Danville is proud to see the return of this community tradition. Now coordinated by the Heart of Danville, the Downtown Danville Merchant Association started the parade in 1978 to make the holiday shopping season more festive and to thank the community for supporting their businesses. This family-friendly occasion showcases holiday-themed floats, Santa Claus and well-known local figures as they make their way down Main Street.

The theme for the 2017 Christmas parade is: “Danville’s Christmas Treasure” and we encourage entries to celebrate why Christmas is special to them.

Prior to this year’s parade, The mayor’s tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. in Weisiger Plaza. A reception following the tree lighting, will take place at the Community Arts Center. The parade will begin at 7 p.m. The MCs will be located in front of City Hall, and an interpreter for the deaf and hard of hearing will be present.

A special treat for the children, Santa will be available Saturdays throughout December (December 2, 9, 16,

23) for pictures with Santa. More information will be available at downtowndanville.com and on Facebook as details are confirmed.

The holidays are a great time to introduce new friends and family to the shops and restaurants of downtown Danville. The Heart of Danville is selling Downtown Dollars Gift Certificates in $5, $10, and $20 increments spendable at any Heart of Danville member business. Holiday shoppers interested in purchasing Downtown Dollars can visit downtowndanville.com.

Join the Heart of Danville and build a tradition that strengthens our economy, expands employment, nurtures a sense of community, and provides a more relaxed, fun, and rewarding holiday experience. Holiday shopping customers spend a large portion of their annual shopping budget in November and December and by making it a habit to direct a portion of those dollars to locally owned businesses, a better, more prosperous, downtown Danville is built.

Starting the Friday after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve the Heart of Danville will reward holiday shoppers that direct a portion of their shopping budget to the local community of Danville in the first ever Shop Local Challenge. Shoppers who spend $300 between a minimum of three local businesses will be entered into a drawing for 10 $100 Visa Gift cards. Complete details for the event can be found on downtowndanville.com.

For information regarding additional events in the City of Danville, please visit the Heart of Danville’s official website at downtowndanville.com, or look for the holiday brochure throughout downtown Danville.

Children and their families line up to have their photos taken with Santa Clause at Weisiger Park at last year’s annual Christmas Tree lighting event.