Santa Claus to arrive to kick off First Friday, holiday season

Monday, November 27, 2017
Banner Graphic/ERIC BERNSEE Attaching a red ribbon to the top of the light pole at Franklin and Jackson streets Monday afternoon, Greencastle firefighters Jeremy Gary (top) and Jeff Cox finish their volunteer duty for the day. Decorations are expected to be lit Friday when Santa makes his First Friday visit to the courthouse.

Santa Claus will arrive at the north side of the Putnam County Courthouse Square to kick off December First Friday events as Main Street Greencastle celebrates the beginning of the holiday season in downtown Greencastle on Friday.

First Friday events run from 5-7 p.m. with events at the courthouse and merchants around the square.

Santa Claus will arrive in Greencastle at 5 p.m. on a fire truck before making his way into the courthouse atrium to greet children and hear their Christmas wishes. Santa will remain at the courthouse until 7 p.m.

The holiday tree will be lighted by a special guest of honor and the winner of the Main Street Greencastle Holiday Window Decorating contest will be announced.

Meanwhile, the Covered Bridge Harmony chorus will be caroling on the square from 5-7 p.m.

Besides the visit with Santa, everyone can enjoy activities and specials from downtown merchants while riding around on the gingerbread trolley courtesy of Shoffner's Farm Equipment and Eitel's & Co. to view the beauty of the downtown area with its decorated lamp posts and holiday planters, merchant windows and the courthouse holiday tree.

Holiday trolleys will be available to travel to downtown merchants from 5-7 p.m., weather permitting. In the case of inclement weather, trolleys will not be available. Walking maps will be available at participating merchants and the Partnership Center.

Eitel's & Co. is the sponsor of the December First Friday.

First Friday activities are scheduled to include:

Almost Home -- Celebrating First Friday with wine tasting and treats. War Radio will be in the Swizzle Stick bar from 9 p.m. to midnight. Prizes for the ugliest Christmas sweater.

Burdge Boots -- Storewide 10 percent off sale that day.

Completely Nuts & Candy Co. -- Open until 9 p.m. with nuts and holiday options.

Conspire -- Open until 9 p.m. for holiday shopping with cookies and a selection of teas available for tasting, along with samples of organic chocolates and free soap samples for customers to take home. Coupons for 10 percent off included with every purchase, along with a Conspire cat sticker.

Cricket's -- Spend $25 and receive a voucher for wrapping. Bring voucher back and Cricket's will wrap three packages for you. See store for details.

Eitel's & Co. -- Open until 9 p.m. with 25 percent off everything holiday. Enjoy a cup of cider while you shop.

Sweet Wishes by Eitel's & Co -- Will offer "Visions of Sugar Plums" candy and sweet treats buffet from 5-7 p.m.

The Inn at DePauw -- Will have a s'more's bar and hot chocolate station run by elves on the Vine Street patio, weather permitting. If not, will be in front of The Duck in the fireplace room.

Moore's' Bar -- Jack Gibson will be playing and singing starting at 7:30 p.m. Cod and shrimp basket dinner special along with drink specials.

Myers' 5 East -- Planning an ornament craft and serving refreshments.

Scoops Ice Cream -- Buy a one-scoop waffle cone, get the second scoop free.

Wasser Brewing Co -- Introducing an updated menu, including a Manhattan Filet, steak sandwich and Brewer's Fries. Also will be serving holiday cocktail menu with a Moscow Mule, Vanilla Cranberry Mimosa and Irish Coffee. The duo of Jason Blankenship and David Sharp set to perform at 8 p.m.

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