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Downtown Association previews Christkindlmarkt, wine walk and holiday programming
Summary
The Downtown Association outlined plans for the Christkindlmarkt on Sixth Avenue, the Nov. 22 autumn wine walk and winter promotions including a Polar Express cocktail fundraiser that benefits the food pantry. The association is sourcing about 20 curated vendors, heated tents, and volunteers for a first-time multi-day closure of Sixth Avenue.
Phil of the Downtown Association briefed the board on the association’s fall and winter plans, emphasizing new and expanded downtown events intended to draw visitors.
Phil said the Christkindlmarkt will be held the weekend after Thanksgiving on Sixth Avenue (roughly Elm Street South to Hickory, behind the association office) and is the first time the BID/association are planning to close part of Sixth Avenue for a multi-day event. “We have 20 vendors,” Phil said, adding the event will use five outdoor stalls and heated tents; the majority of vendors will be inside tents. He said vendors were selected to avoid duplication (for example, limiting multiple sellers of the same product).
The autumn wine walk, scheduled for Nov. 22, aims for about 500 participants; Phil reported about 315 tickets had sold as of the most recent count and staff will push for additional sales this week. Phil also described a Polar Express cocktail promotion (Dec. 1 through the winter warm-up events) in which participating bars and restaurants will create a special holiday cocktail, and $2 from every drink will go to the local food pantry.
Phil asked for volunteer help for several roles at the new Sixth Avenue event, including bartending, food service, setup and cleanup. Board members asked questions about vendor selection, ticket availability, and how the events tie into downtown marketing.
Staff and the board also noted the Santa bike ride and downtown parade planned for the weekend, a downtown “pickle ornament” scavenger hunt across up to 20 businesses, and other small-business Saturday promotions tied to the festival weekend.
