Shoppers will officially kick off the holiday shopping season Saturday with Downtown Party Night.
The event, sponsored by Crawfordsville Main Street, celebrates Small Business Saturday with the courthouse tree lighting, live music, a visit from Santa and other festivities. Downtown shops and restaurants will be open all day as the gift-giving season gets into high gear.
An estimated 158.3 million people plan to shop Thanksgiving weekend this year, according to a survey from the National Retail Foundation. That’s up from 156.6 million last year but still below pre-pandemic levels.
Party night festivities begin at 6 p.m. with the tree lighting followed by performances at the courthouse by The Crescendos and Brassmasters Quintet. Children can get their photos taken with Santa from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at Abbey Elaine Photography.
Hay rides with Oak Hill Tree Farm will leave from Pike Place throughout the evening.
General Lew Wallace Study and Museum’s Hoosier Author Fair begins at 4 p.m. and Crawfordsville District Public Library will host stories, crafts and more starting at 6 p.m. Both events will be held in Fusion 54.
Other activities include Humans United for Equality’s Holidays Around the World event at Dance by Deborah and the Festival of Trees at Masonic Cornerstone.
Party Night also marks the kickoff of the downtown holiday window contest and FISH Food Pantry drive.
For more information about Saturday’s activities, visit Main Street’s Facebook page or website at crawfordsvillemainstreet.com.
