(Batesville, IN) – The City of Batesville, Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce and Batesville Main Street are co-hosting the annual parade and community tree lighting event on Friday, December 6 downtown , rain or shine.
Batesville Main Street’s Santa’s Village and Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen at Inspiration Park open at 4 p.m. and will feature Storytime with Mrs. Claus, cookie decorating, toasting marshmallows, food/craft vendors, Christmas Karaoke, and more. Choirs from the Batesville Intermediate, Middle and High schools are slated to perform.
Don’t miss the All-Aboard Train Exhibit at the Batesville Historical Center, which is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Jingle Bell Rock Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce Parade starts at 6 p.m. at the corner of Columbus Avenue and Mulberry Street, and will turn right onto Mulberry, left onto George Street, left onto Main Street, right onto Boehringer, right on Park Avenue and will conclude near Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen, where Santa will disembark from his sleigh to greet children before approaching the main stage for the tree lighting.
Miss Shannon and Bryce Mullins will lead the crowd with a community sing-along.
Those interested in participating as a parade entry should visit the Chamber’s website at [email protected] or call (812) 934-3101.
At the conclusion of the sing-along, Mayor John Irrgang, joined by Frances Lang, will conduct the official lighting of the 20-foot Norway Spruce tree donated by Chris and Aimee Richey.
Jolly Old St. Nick is expected to stop by his Batesville house, recently renovated by Batesville Middle School’s Industrial Technology and Family and consumer Science students, led by Jeremy Spencer and Megan Spreckleson. Be sure to stop in and give him your list.
The Gibson Theatre will offer a free showing of the movie Jingle All the Way starting at 8 p.m. which is co-sponsored by Batesville Kiwanis and the Mayor’s Youth Council.
“I am excited to serve as the host of the community tree lighting and look forward to seeing everyone on December 6,” Mayor Irrgang said.
The following streets will be closed during the festival and parade:
- Inspiration Park, North Parking spaces (adjacent to E. Pearl Street) and South parking spaces (Adjacent to George Street) on Thursday, December 5 from 8 a.m. to December 6 until 8p.m.
- On December 6 from 3:30-8 pm: George Street between Main and Sycamore Street. Please refrain from parking on the following streets between 5 and 8 pm: Main Street from George to Boehringer, and George Street from Main to Walnut.
