Main Street Columbus is planning several downtown events to make sure that the community enjoys a fun, holiday season.
As in the past, Christmas shopping begins at the Downtown Christmas Open House. Shop in beautiful downtown Columbus as retail businesses showcase holiday items and specials. The open house will take place from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 5 and Nov. 6. Some downtown stores also will be open from 1-5 p.m. Nov. 7.
Downtown merchants will be donating gift certificates worth hundreds of dollars for a grand prize which will be given to one lucky shopper. The annual Christmas Open House is an opportunity for the many downtown merchants to showcase their products, including great food, clothing, gifts, jewelry, art and more!.
“It is also a time when our community can show its support for small, local businesses, which in turn helps to boost our local economy,” said Barbara Bigelow, Main Street Columbus executive director. “Windows will be decorated and the holiday spirit will be in the air.”
As in the past, the Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market will offer an opportunity to purchase locally homegrown, homemade and handcrafted holiday food and gifts. The 14th Holiday Farmers’ Market will be held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 20, from 9 a.m.-noon. Pick up last-minute Thanksgiving goodies and even do some holiday shopping. The presenting sponsor for the Holiday Market is Financial Concepts.
Farmers market space is first-come, first-serve. Applications are available now in the Main Street Columbus office, at 107 5th St. N., online at columbusmainstreet.com and on the Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market Facebook page. For information, call (662) 328-6305.
Small Business Saturday will be observed on Nov. 27, the Saturday following Thanksgiving. Downtown small businesses will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wassail Fest returns this year, offering downtown merchants the chance to compete for bragging rights for the best holiday brew. Celebrating its 17th year, the festival is scheduled from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 3. Wassail will be served at various businesses and restaurants within the historic downtown district.
Wassail Fest is designed to catch the holiday spirit for everyone and draws hundreds to the streets of downtown Columbus. Christmas carols will be sung and merchants will offer special holiday activities, in-store promotions and door prizes for guests.
Shoppers will be able to cast their vote for their favorite wassail as participating merchants battle for the coveted People’s Choice award. Wassail, a drink whose name means “to your health,” is a mixture of juices and spices that has been served over centuries as far back as Robin Hood and his merry men. Many downtown merchants will go to great lengths to prepare their special wassail to serve their guests. This year’s Wassail Meister will be announced Dec. 10. Main Street Columbus thanks Financial Concepts for sponsoring this year’s Wassail Fest.
Saving the best event for last, the Bicentennial Christmas Parade, featuring the Budweiser Clydesdales, will be held at 3 p.m. Dec. 5. Submit your parade application to Main Street Columbus today and be ready to enjoy the return of the annual Christmas parade and the celebration of 200 years of Columbus.
Downtown shops will be open, providing another opportunity for you to pick up those holiday gifts. Financial Concepts is the presenting sponsor for the parade.
“Yes, there will be lots going on during this season of joy. We are so grateful to our friends at Financial Concepts who are generously sponsoring the Christmas Parade, Wassail Fest and the Holiday Farmers’ Market this year and to our partner, the City of Columbus. Be sure to make plans on the following dates to join us in historic downtown Columbus,” Bigelow said.
As you attend the downtown events, please keep yourself and others around you safe. Wear a mask, social distance and enjoy the holiday season!
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