HEART OF DANVILLE

News release

The Heart of Danville Main Street Program is once again preparing for a series of festive events this holiday season.

The season begins with the Holiday Open House on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 17 and 18. Many downtown retailers will offer deals and discounts for two days full of shopping, discounts and holiday cheer.

The ninth annual Small Business Saturday will be Nov. 25. Small Business Saturday is a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities; it is sponsored by American Express.

The Heart of Danville and the Boyle County Public Library will have “Pictures with Santa” from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Boyle County Public Library. As always, this event is free.

Library patrons who check out an item or attend a program the week of Nov. 26 will be given a 10-percent-off coupon good at participating businesses. The library is an incredible asset to the community, and the Heart is excited to partner with it during the holiday season, said Heart of Danville Executive Director Nick Wade.

At 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, downtown will be filled with joy and laughter during the annual mayor’s tree lighting ceremony and the 38th Annual Danville Christmas Parade.

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 2018 Christmas parade is “Christmas Movies,” and the Heart is encouraging entries to bring their favorite Christmas movie to life.

The Heart of Danville is still accepting entries for the this year’s parade and is asking businesses, churches, and organizations in the parade to enter. Floats in particular are encouraged. Applications can be picked up at city hall or the Danville-Boyle County Visitors Center or found online at www.downtowndanville.com. The entry deadline is Friday, Nov. 30.

Prior to this year’s parade, The mayor’s tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. in Weisiger Park. A reception following the tree lighting will take place at the Community Arts Center.

Starting Nov. 24 through Dec. 21, the Heart of Danville will reward holiday shoppers who direct a portion of their shopping budget to the local community of Danville in the Christmas Tree Bingo shopping promotion. Shoppers who make qualified purchases can light up their Christmas tree and enter to win VISA gift cards.

Skate on Main, an open-air iceless skating rink returns to downtown on Friday, Dec. 21. The new and improved rink will be bigger and better than last year. The rink will be open daily from Dec. 21 – Jan. 12 and hours vary.

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