Featured image by Kris Caraway via Main Street Batesville
The Saturday after Thanksgiving will be a busy day in downtown Batesville.
Downtown merchants will come together to host “Small Business Saturday” as a more community-focused alternative to Black Friday Shopping, according to a release from Main Street Batesville.
The day aims to provide a slower pace and less-stress shopping experience for those looking to get a jump on the holiday gift-buying following Thanksgiving. The stores will have sales and promotions throughout the day. There will be other activities planned on the streets, as well. The Batesville Area Arts Council will be available to wrap presents.
The day will conclude with the “Batesville Christmas Tree” lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. inside the Citizens Bank Pocket Park. The ceremony will feature local musicians and choirs. Gary Bridgman with White River Now will be reading “The Night Before Christmas” just before Mayor Rick Elumbaugh and Santa Claus himself “flip the switch” to light the 20-foot-tree called the Batesville Christmas Tree. The Batesville Christmas Tree will be a gift to the community from Citizens Bank.
Schedule of events:
11 a.m. — 12 p.m.: Morley Family Magic | Citizens Bank Pocket Park
1 p.m. — 2 p.m.: Storytime with Snow White | Paper Chase Book Store
3 p.m. — 5 p.m.: Pictures with Santa | Fellowship Bible Church
5 p.m. — 5:30 p.m.: Batesville Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
7 p.m. — 9 p.m.: Free showing of “Christmas Vacation” | Melba Theater
Small Business Saturday is sponsored by Citizens Bank, T-Shirt Express, Main Attire, Gallery 246, Autry’s White River Furniture, and Independence County Abstract.
Above: Children enjoy a past Christmas storytime at the Paper Chase Bookstore on Main Street in Batesville. / Images via Main Street Batesville
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