Martin City Kicks Off Holiday Season with Street Lighting Ceremony
By Kathy Feist
The Martin City Holiday Lighting Celebration will be held on Friday, November 16, starting at 6 p.m. at the Bailey Bros. Savings & Loan Association building, 310 E. 135 St.
Entertainment
Besides Santa Claus’ appearance, the St. Thomas More Elementary School Choir will headline the evening activities. Roaming carolers and professional DJ Bobby Eddy will continue to bring music to the night. Santa will arrive in time to listen to children’s Christmas wishes and pose for professional photos, thanks to Heartland Imaging.
It’s A Wonderful Life
Heartland Imaging, which operates inside the bank building, will be playing the film It’s A Wonderful Life continuously starting with the lighting ceremony and ending on Christmas. Martin City’s historic bank building was named after the savings and loan building in the movie by owner Patrick Cocherl, Jr. Cocherl purchased the building and restored it to its original form. Cocherl is also a big fan of Christmas and had no difficulty naming the building.
Late Shopping
Keeping in the Christmas spirit, many stores in Martin City will be open later hours, including the newly opened Stick Sisters, Rooms that Bloom, Sidelines Custom Florals, and Gilded Lily.
Parking
Participants are asked to park at the old Sutherland’s parking lot east of the railroad tracks, only a couple of minutes away from the festivities. An off-duty police officer will be on hand to direct Friday night traffic.
Ugly Sweater Run
The Ugly Sweater Group Run which usually starts off the festivities has been scheduled for Thursday, December 6.
Donations
Donations will be collected for Cornerstones of Care – Ozanam campus. For a list of items and more event information, visit martincity.org/business/holiday-lighting/. The Martin City Holiday Lighting Celebration is organized by the Martin City Business and Community Association.