On December 4, just a week after Thanksgiving, downtown Clayton will be transformed into a Christmas Village with decorated storefronts, holiday shopping and a merry attitude!
This is the second year that Clayton’s Main Street will close for three hours of music, holiday cheer, business open house and the traditional tree lighting on the Town Square. “A Live Christmas Village & Tree Lighting” will be presented from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm on December 4, organized by the Promotion Committee of the Clayton Downtown Development Association (DDA).
Committee chair, Lyn Austin said, “Last year more than 2,500 people walked along Main Street visiting our business open house, enjoying the storefront decorations and music all along the street.” She added, “It was such a wonderful, nostalgic, cheerful feeling and we need a little more cheer than usual this year. Sometimes the best things in life are simple and free. What could set your holiday mood off in a more perfect way than spending a few hours just strolling Main Street the sights and sounds of Christmas?”
There will be some improvements from last year – a stage and professional sound system will be used in the Town Square for the Tree Lighting events; there will be two performance areas for the school performances – one on Main Street near Cider House Studio and the other in the town lot at Lombard Street and Main Street. There will also be regular and handicap portable rest facilities strategically placed near the performance areas and at the Town Square.
Dance and choral performances by local students, local churches and others, the live nativity as well as the Tree Lighting ceremony are the main focus of the event. But, Ms. Austin noted, “The main focus is to bring the activities to the street and let people in Clayton know about the wonderful opportunities available in downtown Clayton.” All of the downtown restaurants will be open that night.
ABC 11 Eyewitness News morning anchor Barbara Gibbs will be the special guest host/emcee for the evening along with Clayton Mayor Jody McLeod.
This event enhances Clayton’s traditional holiday events and tree lighting ceremony by bringing the events to downtown’s commercial and retail core. Main Street will be closed from Smith Street to O’Neil Street from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm so a special environment of festivities and activity can be created there.
The Merchant’s Open House – 6:00 pm – 8:15 pm – This is an opportunity for residents to experience what downtown has to offer from retail to service businesses. Many merchants will provide some sort of holiday refreshment, whether it is cider, soft drinks, cookies, and candies.
First Street Open House – Head a block north on Church Street and take a left to find goodies at Eye of the Eagle Art and Paint it Red Internet Café!
Pet Costume Contest & Parade – A Doggie Christmas Costume Contest and Parade will be part of the festivities. Contestants will gather for judging and a group photo at Doggie Do’z Pet Grooming Parlor at 113 E First Street at 5:45 pm and then parade through Main Street in downtown Clayton to Cider House Studio where the prizes will be awarded. Radio celebrity Marty Young, from WQDR’s Q Morning Crew will be one of the judges. First, Second and Third place prizes will be awarded. Call (919) 553-5959 to register.
Photo with Santa Paws - Robinson Animal Hospital is sponsoring a “Photo with Santa Paws” at Cider House Studio, 436 E Main Street. Donations for the photos are $5.00 with proceeds going to the Johnston County Animal Protection League. For more information call (919) 553-7171
Dance & Choral Performances – Students from Clayton schools and studios will provide holiday performances, as always, but this time the performances will take place in just two areas on Main Street: the Town lot at Lombard and Main and near Cider House Studio at 436 E Main Street. Downtown businesses are also sponsoring music along Main Street on the sidewalks in front of their stores, too!
Live Nativity – Organized by Noah’s Ark, this event will be located at 120 E Main Street. One of the most popular activities of the evening!
Downtown Storefront Decorating Contest - Winners of the decorating contest will be announced at the Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 4. Award Categories will be Most Creative, Most Traditional and Best Overall. A “Grinch” award will also be bestowed on non-participating storefronts! All commercial businesses on Front Street, First Street, Main Street (east and west) and Second Street will be considered.
Tree Lighting Ceremony – Activities on Main Street will end by 8:15 pm as everyone will be led by the Clayton High School Marching Band to the Christmas Tree at Town Square. Beginning at 8:30 the Clayton High School Chorus will perform, contest awards will be announced and then the Christmas Tree will be lit at 9:00 pm sharp!
For more information and schedule updates, visit http://www.downtownclayton.org; send an email or call 553-1545.
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