City of Gainesville issued the following announcement on November 09.
The City of Gainesville is kicking off the 2021 holiday season with the return of well-loved community event Jingle Mingle and the Annual Lighting of the Chicken.
Jingle Mingle
Brought to you by Main Street Gainesville, Jingle Mingle is slated for 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, on the historic square in downtown Gainesville.
“As one of the Southeast’s quirkiest, fun family-friendly events, this is the perfect way to start your holiday season here in the Poultry Capital of the World!” said Main Street Manager Nicole Ricketts. “The downtown square will be alive with the holiday spirit, including open houses in most of the stores, live music, carriage rides, kiddie train rides, Santa and his arrival on a Gainesville Fire engine, the Coca-Cola polar bear and the grand LIGHTING OF THE CHICKEN!”
Be there early for Santa’s arrival (5 p.m.) ahead of photos from 5-8 p.m.
“Santa will be located in the middle of the square,” Ricketts said. “Everything will be outdoors and under tents, if needed, for the day’s event.”
Before or after your visit with Santa, explore downtown retailers and restaurants on the square, many of which will have open houses.
“Historic downtown Gainesville is such a treasured part of our City, that we hope everyone coming out to enjoy our holiday kickoff also remembers to come back and shop local for their friends and family this season to support our small businesses,” Ricketts said. “We will also be selling Main Street Money – gift certificates that are good at over 25 different businesses downtown! They make great stocking stuffers and create a variety of options while still supporting our downtown community of small businesses. You can learn more at https://www.gainesville.org/624/Main-Street-Money.”
Don’t miss stopping into Main Street Market or Rahab’s Rope, which will feature live music from 4-6 p.m. by The Believers Concert Band and Voices of North Georgia, respectively.
At the same time, enjoy a ride in a horse-drawn carriage or, for the little ones, kiddie train rides in the Hunt Tower parking lot.
Annual Lighting of the Chicken
The Annual Lighting of the Chicken returns in 2021, offering all the wows and excitement that can only come from seeing in person the 25-foot metal chicken come to life atop Main Street Market.
“The Lighting of the Chicken ceremony starts at 6:15 p.m. with a warm welcome from Mayor Danny Dunagan, featuring Brenau University vocalist Lainie Ewers and dancers from Elevate Performing Center,” Ricketts said.
Beyond Jingle Mingle and the Lighting of the Chicken, both of which combine for the perfect holiday celebration, attendees can also expect new additions.
“Surprises await!” Ricketts said.
By that time, the City will have also hung its Christmas lamp post lights and garland, adding to the holiday atmosphere.
Road/parking closures
To ensure event organizers’ and attendees’ safety, several roads will be closed before and during the event.
Main Street will partially close at 1 p.m. that day, followed by 2 p.m. closures for streets and parking spaces surrounding the square.
Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of free parking within the Main Street Parking Deck, 301 Main St., or Hall County Parking Facility, 225 Green St. SE – both located just off the square.
For details and timely updates, “Like” and follow @DowntownGainesvilleGA on Facebook or visit downtowngainesville.com.
Original source can be found here.
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