A new holiday event will continue the trend of connecting West Franklin Street and Downtown Evansville.
The first Holly Jolly Holiday celebration is set for Saturday, Dec. 13. It’s the latest effort to bring locals and visitors to both West Franklin and Downtown.
Organizers tell the Courier and Press that October’s “Mainklin” Beer Run -- which was jointly planned by West Franklin and Downtown businesses -- was a sold-out success that showed neighboring parts of the city can boost one another.
The Convention & Visitors Bureau is providing some marketing to Holly Jolly Holiday, promoting it within a 50- to 100-mile radius of Evansville.
Activities will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. on West Franklin Street, then shift to Downtown during the evening hours. West Franklin activities will include a winter edition of the Farmers Market outside West Branch Library, horse-drawn carriage rides, Christmas carolers, and performances from youth choirs, jazz bands and dance troupes.
Evening activities on Main Street will include live entertainment, free hot chocolate, and “pop-up shops” in the former Old National Bank tower at 420 Main St. There will also be horse-drawn carriage rides in the Historic District, and candlelight tours of the Reitz Home Museum’s Victorian Christmas display.