First Friday to kick off holidays

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Christmas trolleys, a close-up look at the Courthouse Canopy of Lights, specials at various local downtown businesses and even a visit from Jolly Old St. Nicholas himself will highlight First Friday festivities in downtown Greencastle on the evening of Dec. 4.

While First Friday often goes dormant during cold weather, the downtown program will return this week after a one-month absence to help kick off the Christmas season in Greencastle's downtown district.

Nearly 20 local businesses and organizations will take part in the event, which is set for 6-8 p.m. on the Greencastle Courthouse Square and surrounding blocks.

One of the highlights will be Christmas trolleys sponsored by Eitel's & Co. Florist. Rides on these antique wagons will be available to get from business to business or simply for a leisurely stroll around downtown.

Trolleys will be running, weather permitting, as the wagons cannot have road salt on them. So in the event of snow, everyone will be walking.

As highlighted in the Friday edition of the Banner Graphic, Santa Claus will be arriving at College and Washington streets at 4 p.m. aboard a Greencastle Fire Department truck.

Santa will then make his way to WinWay Technologies, 122 E. Washington St., where he will meet and greet kids from 4-6 p.m.

At 6 p.m., Santa will move to the Putnam County Senior Center, 9 W. Franklin St., where Wilson's Photography will take pictures with Santa until 8 p.m.

A number of other downtown businesses and organizations will also be involved in the December First Friday effort. Highlights of the holiday celebration include:

* Children's Train sponsored by The Greater Chamber of Commerce.

* Crickets, 110 S. Vine St.: Everyone who spends more than $25 will be entered in drawing for a $100 gift certificate prize. Holiday treats will be passed out.

* Eitel's & Co., 17 S. Vine St.: Take 25 percent off holiday items. Hot cider and caramel corn will be served.

Additionally, Sweet Wishes by Eitel's & Co. will present "Visions of Sugar Plums" free candy and sweet treats buffet, which invites participants to fill a box with yummy delights.

* Indonesian Imports, 2 W. Washington St., will present beautiful and unique pieces for Christmas.

* Putnam County Arts Council will have art on display and for sale at Indonesian Imports.

* The Inn at DePauw, 2 W. Seminary St., will have a hot chocolate bar in the lobby.

* Almost Home, 17 W. Franklin St., will host a wine tasting and a gift card promotion.

Additionally, Almost Home will host a movie with popcorn upstairs in the Emerald Room.

* War Radio will play its usual First Friday gig at the Swizzle Stick, 21 W. Franklin St., from 9 p.m.-midnight.

* Myers 5 East at 5 East Franklin St. will host Christmas cookie decorating and a Christmas photo booth.

* Putnam County Public Library, 103 E. Poplar St., will have a gingerbread theme for children from 6-8 p.m., featuring a walk-in gingerbread playhouse, gingerbread storytime, make-and-take gingerbread houses and gingerbread magnets. Hot cocoa and treats will also be served.

* Snowy Pines will have Christmas trees for sale next to the Senior Center.

* With holiday drinks now available at Starbucks, 2 E. Washington St., purchase any holiday beverage and receive a free one to share.

* Wasser Beer will host a tour and tasting at the brewery, 102 E. Franklin St.

* Marvin's, 202 S. College, Ave., will have specials for the evening.

* Moore's Bar, 17 S. Indiana St.: Specials are cod and shrimp baskets and grilled barbecue chicken dinner. Drink specials are also available. Karaoke will begin at 10 p.m.

Main Street Greencastle, the sponsor of First Friday, is encouraging all participants to have luminarias lighting their businesses.

Maps detailing the participating businesses will also be available.

All of the downtown foot and trolley traffic will also give people a close-up look at the Courthouse Canopy of Lights, which is in place this year thanks to the help of Mark Evans and the Putnam County 4-H Junior Leaders, courthouse custodian Brian Smith and the City of Greencastle.

Smith put many hours into the project and the city financed it. Main Street, Greencastle Civic League and People Pathways have all had volunteers help make this project happen.

Comments
View 1 comment
Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. Please note that those who post comments on this website may do so using a screen name, which may or may not reflect a website user's actual name. Readers should be careful not to assign comments to real people who may have names similar to screen names. Refrain from obscenity in your comments, and to keep discussions civil, don't say anything in a way your grandmother would be ashamed to read.
  • This is fantastic!! For the longest time we watched other communities decorate for Christmas, have the carriage rides, food!! And now its our turn! I have always hoped to see traditions back for the holidays, it makes good memories especially for the young and young at heart! Can't Wait! Thanks to everyone involved, especially Brian Smith. I only hope I can get around in my chair!

    -- Posted by Tigger2005 on Mon, Nov 30, 2015, at 12:27 AM
Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: