Now that we’ve moved past Halloween, it’s time to “Light the Park” and ring in the holiday season.

Help us welcome Santa Claus back to downtown at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22 as we light the downtown Christmas tree, hear some great holiday music, and light the park.

Our “elves” will be putting up the lights and getting ready for the big day and Santa is preparing to meet all the children of Ross County.
We’re still looking to round out donations to Light the Park, through the First Capital District web site, to help us meet the financial obligations. No amount is too small (or too big, for that matter) as we try to make downtown Chillicothe a holiday destination in southern Ohio. We may also need manpower as we put up lights and prepare the park for all the visitors.

And, of course, the Light the Park event serves as the kickoff for the Downtown Holiday Open House, which will last through the weekend and feature great deals at many downtown shops, holiday carriage rides, and much, much more.

We’ll be giving out goodie bags at the kickoff that include special deals and a passport that could win you valuable prizes after the holidays are over. We’re also seeking musical groups to roam through downtown singing Christmas carols as visitors shop, eat, and enjoy a great holiday weekend. We’ve secured some school groups but would like to add a few churches and other groups to our list. If you’re interested, email Mike at mthrone@chillicotheohio.com.

Santa will be at the house Friday through Sunday, starting the weekend of Nov. 22 and continuing through Dec. 22. Children will have the ability to drop off a letter to Santa during the week and on the nights that Santa is in the house.