Looking like Christmas

Christmas is coming to Jackson County and sooner than you think.

Seymour Main Street is gearing up for its annual Downtown Seymour Christmas to take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 30 at One Chamber Square.

“I just like the downtown excitement in the air that night, between the kids and the lights and Santa, it’s so much fun,” Linda Ferguson said.

She has been involved with the popular holiday event for the past three years as a Main Street board member and as part of the organization’s promotions committee.

“We have even more vendors this year and we are excited that it’s an activity that continues to grow,” she said.
She said Main Street members are anticipating a big crowd if the weather is good.

“Last year we had between 400 and 500, and we are hoping to see that again,” she said.

After a successful Halloween event Oct. 26 that brought between 800 and 1,000 people downtown to trick-or-treat, Ferguson said Main Street is becoming better known in the community.

“Main Street is growing,” Ferguson said. “We are trying to preserve and promote our downtown and keep it healthy.”

Downtown businesses are encouraged to stay open during the event, Ferguson said.

This year’s lineup of activities and entertainment for Downtown Seymour Christmas will again feature live reindeer and elves from Silly Safaris’ Reindeer Reserve, free horse and hay wagon rides through the downtown and a reading of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

From 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., people may enjoy live musical entertainment from area choirs performing a variety of traditional and popular Christmas tunes.

Randy Ollis, Channel 8 and WQKC-WZZB meteorologist, will serve as master of ceremony. WZZB/Kix92 Radio will broadcast live from One Chamber Square.

There will be free refreshments and candy canes provided by Jackson County Bank as well as children’s activity booths and other food and gift vendors.

The first 500 children in attendance will receive a free commemorative Christmas ornament.

  Main Street will also be selling a new commemorative Christmas pin that’s been designed by local artist Kevin Greene of Artistic Impressions.

  At 6:15 p.m., Santa Claus and a mystery celebrity guest will arrive to help turn on the downtown Christmas lights. Weather permitting, Santa will arrive in the sled used in the movie “The Santa Clause” starring Tim Allen.

The sled is now owned by Seymour resident Denny Oakes and his family.

After the lighting ceremony, children will have the opportunity to get their picture taken with Santa.

Other Christmas events

Medora Christmas Fest and Parade, Saturday and Sunday

Featuring a prince and princess contest, baby contest, log-splitting and stacking contest and pie-making and cookie contest. New this year will be a 5K run/walk on Saturday. The parade will be at 5 p.m. Saturday and will line up in the old plastic factory lot at the north edge of town. Entries will be judged at 4 p.m. There also will be entertainment on the stage both days as well as a turkey calling contest. Anyone wanting to enter any of the contests may call (812) 592-4234.

Crothersville Area Revitalization and Development Lighting Ceremony, 7 p.m. Nov. 28, CARD will light the town Christmas tree located at the stop light. The organization will also be signing people up to win a free turkey and ham for Christmas dinner. Those interested must be present to sign up and win.

Brownstown Chamber of Commerce’s Hometown Christmas Celebration, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4, Jackson County Courthouse. Featuring free refreshments, vendors and carolers. Santa will arrive at 5:30 p.m. for free pictures with children. There will be a grand prize drawing at 7 p.m. for a Christmas wreath.