The upcoming holiday season is a busy time for almost everyone, and the merchants in Elizabethton’s Downtown Business Association are no exception.
Members of the DBA met Thursday morning to discuss plans for the upcoming events to be held in the downtown shopping district.
The first holiday event will be the Christmas Open House Sunday from 1-5 p.m. DBA President Cathy Shoun said the event gives the downtown businesses the opportunity to share the special deals and merchandise with customers that will be available for their Christmas shopping.
The DBA is choosing to hold their open house early in November to beat the Black Friday rush of many of the larger retail stores. During the event, businesses open their doors to show customers appreciation for their business during the year, with many offering refreshments and special promotions for the customers.
“The Open House is our way of showing the customers we appreciate their business through the year,” Shoun said.
The annual Fraser Fir Tree Lighting will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17. The tree will be lit shortly after 6 p.m.
Chamber of Commerce Director Tonya Stevens noted the tree lighting was being held on a different day than usual. Traditionally held on the second Tuesday in November, that day falls on Veterans Day this year.
The official tree lighter will be East Side Principal Josh Wandell and his team of supporters.
“We chose him for the tremendous work he has done in the school and in the community,” Stevens said. “We also chose him for the amount of faith he has shown through his illness. It is also for awareness for the disease that has affected not only him, but others in the community. We appreciate him and his spirit and perseverance.”
Wandell was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gherig’s disease, almost a year and a half ago. Since then he has spread his message of faith and awareness through the community.
Starting at 5:30 p.m., hot chocolate and apple cider will be provided by the Bonnie Kate Cafe. A welcome will be made by Melanie Stanton, Chamber Board President, followed by a prayer given by Jonathan Perry, St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Music will be provided by Elizabeth Painter, Miss Watauga Valley, the Elizabethton High School Choral Group, and the Happy Valley Trumpeters.
On Nov. 21, the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce will be having an open house from noon to 3 p.m. to showcase the different locally made items available in the Arts Depot at the Chamber.
The annual Christmas parade will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, with the theme of “The Wonderful World of Dr. Seuss.”
Stevens said the idea for the parade came from a comment made after last year’s Christmas parade about Dr. Seuss.
“We thought about it, and decided it would be a fun, whimsical and colorful idea,” Stevens said.
Going along with the Dr. Seuss theme, the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library will serve as the grand marshal for the parade.
“The library does so much for the community, working to promote literacy through the different programs they offer,” Stevens said.
A portion of the proceeds from the parade will be donated to the local non-profit, Red Legacy Recovery.
On-street parking on East Elk Ave. will be closed at 2 p.m. on Dec. 6. Traffic through the parade route will be closed at 5 p.m.