Main Street Columbus is hard at work ensuring the “Grinch” doesn’t steal away a festive community holiday season. Yes, signature downtown events looked forward to each year will have a different look, but every effort is underway to deliver holiday cheer.
“While sitting in the office one day, the ‘Grinch’ popped into my head and seemed to offer the perfect theme for this holiday season,” said Main Street Columbus Executive Director Barbara Bigelow. “We had already decided we were not going to cancel one event; we would just modify them where necessary for this year, and that is what we have done.”
Open House
Each year, Christmas shopping begins at the Christmas Open House, and 2020 is no exception. Columbus downtown merchants will showcase holiday items and specials Nov. 6-8. Hours Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6-7, are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Some downtown stores will open Sunday, Nov. 8, from 1-5 p.m.
“You’ll find yourself in the holiday spirit as you walk through historic downtown Columbus to begin your holiday gift-buying,” said Bigelow. “And, who knows, the ‘Grinch’ may make appearances throughout downtown hoping to ‘snatch’ a few goodies of his own.”
Downtown merchants will again donate gift certificates worth hundreds of dollars, and one lucky shopper will have the opportunity to win that grand prize.
“Who doesn’t enjoy gift certificates at Christmas time or any other time of the year? The annual Christmas Open House is an exciting and unique opportunity for the many downtown merchants to showcase their products, including great food, clothing, gifts, jewelry, art and more,” Bigelow remarked. “It’s also a time when our community can show its support for small, local businesses, which in turn helps to boost our local economy.”
Holiday Farmers’ Market
The Holiday Farmers’ Market will offer locally homegrown, homemade and handcrafted holiday food and gifts Saturday, Nov. 21 from 9 a.m.-noon at the Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market at Second Avenue and Second Street North. Get vendor applications for the 13th annual market at Main Street Columbus, 107 Fifth St. N., or at columbusmainstreet.com or the Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market Facebook page. Or call 662-328-6305. Space is first-come, first-served.
“We will also be observing Small Business Saturday Nov. 28, the Saturday following Thanksgiving,” Bigelow said. “From 10 a.m.-5 p.m., your downtown small businesses will be open so be sure to pay them a visit while shopping for your Christmas needs.”
Tree lighting
The annual lighting of the community Christmas Tree takes on a new look as a virtual celebration on Facebook Live Monday, Nov. 30.
“Join Mayor Robert Smith and the ‘Grinch’ as we ‘flip the switch’ and illuminate the tree lights around 6 p.m. with Santa and Miz Claus standing by,” said the Main Street director.
Following the lighting, Santa will take requests or questions from children via the “Chat” box for about 30 minutes.
Grinch Fest in Whoville
“We know one of the favorite holiday activities in downtown Columbus is Wassail Fest,” Bigelow said. “We also know it would be difficult this year to enjoy wassail in the same way as the past. However, that ‘Grinch’ is not going to take away the fun of our holidays. We invite you downtown to ‘Grinch Fest in Whoville’ Friday, Dec. 4, from 5 to 8 p.m.”
Participants can pick up a “Whoville Passport” at a participating merchant and have it stamped for a chance to win a grand prize worth several hundred dollars in gift certificates, provided by Main Street Columbus. Have a picture taken with a “Whoville” visitor, dine in a downtown restaurant and explore historic downtown.
Bigelow added, “Dress in costume as a ‘Whoville’ character. Who knows? We may even have a costume contest, so begin making plans now.”
Whoville Cruisin’
Instead of the traditional Christmas Parade of years past, downtown streets will host “Whoville Cruisin'” Saturday, Dec. 12. (Time to be announced.)
“Decorate your vehicles ‘Grinch’ style, watch for the route on media outlets and join the excitement as we cruise in downtown Columbus,” Bigelow remarked. “How many people can honestly say they have never gone ‘cruisin’?”
All events will follow state and local mandates in effect at the time.
Bigelow said, “No sir, that ‘Grinch’ is not going to steal our Christmas. Stay tuned to all media outlets for details as each event draws nearer. Start now getting your costume ready and plan to participate in the fun times in downtown Columbus this holiday season.”
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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