Main Street Batesville is notorious for going above and beyond when the time comes to display, recognize and support the city of Batesville. and Christmas time is no exception.
With over 40 storefronts in the historic downtown area, it’s hard to miss all of the Christmas cheer on display up and down the street.
With the help of local sponsors LaCroix Optical, Imaginations Events, Bad Boy Mowers, First Community Bank, Arkansas House of Representative Stu Smith, UACCB and First Centennial Bank, vacant storefronts had the chance to be on display as well, and each light post on the street has been adorned with custom made wreaths.
Main Street Executive Director Mandi Curtwright and a band of volunteers including her Administrative Assistant Kim Wilson have put in tons of hours, sweat and tears to make this year a memorable one.
The Old-Fashioned Christmas idea is one that most hold near and dear to their hearts, especially when we are all trying to live our best “Hallmark Movie Holiday” life these days. I mean who doesn’t want to feel like they are in a holiday movie?
So, get camera ready because tomorrow will kick off another Old-Fashioned Christmas, and although a few things have changed due to Covid, there will still be plenty of fun to be had.
From live music to ‘living’ window displays and Santa, there will be something for everyone!
For the music lovers, The Southside Madrigal singers will perform at Maxfield Park at 1 p.m. and the Batesville Brass Society will entertain visitors in the Citizens Bank Pocket Park at 5 p.m.
If you love dance, the North Arkansas Dance Theatre will be on hand to perform at 11:30 a.m. in the Pocket Park to keep the Christmas spirit going.
Throughout the day, Main Street will be transformed into a winter market that will feature arts and crafts like basketweaving and quilt making demonstrations.
“The idea for an Old-Fashioned Christmas came about after the revitalization of Main Street,” Curtwright pointed out. “We wanted to bring back favorite holiday traditions and honor the history of the area as well. We want to be able to give attendees a small dose of what life might have been like in the earlier times.”
Adding to even more fun, Santa will be on hand working hard in his workshop from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Back in Time Antiques. Take a moment to bring the kids over to see all the hard work he’s putting in fmaking toys and taking names this year.
Santa is resting up at Autry’s Furniture before getting ready to work in his workshop at Back in Time Antiques.
Main Street businesses will be staying open later to accommodate shoppers, and it will also give visitors a chance to check out newer businesses like Tomahawk Chop, Clara Jane and Jax or try out Stella’s Brick Oven Pizza.
Don’t forget to check out the reenergized “veteran” businesses like Thompson’s Jewelry, Randy’s Music or The Historic Melba as they are still here and thriving with fresh ideas with the excitement of the growth of Main Street over the past few years.”
One newer attraction to Main Street is the almost 20 foot tall Christmas tree located in Citizens Bank Pocket Park.
The bank purchased “The Batesville Christmas Tree” last year and was happy to place it in the park as a another great place for families to take holiday photos or send letters to Santa.
“Citizens Bank brought the tree to Main Street to encourage people to visit the downtown area,” Curtwright added. “Of course, it adds to the overall holiday vibe of the area.”
If you need a break from all the shopping and exploring, the historic Melba Theater will play host to a free showing of Rudolph beginning at 3:30 p.m. with doors opening at 2:30 p.m.
So, make a holiday adventure tomorrow to Batesville and enjoy an Old-Fashioned Christmas on Main Street and stay for the Batesville Kiwanis parade.
This year’s parade has been modified for Covid protocols in order to keep everyone safe, and it will remain in constant motion due to those protocols.
Sadly, no participants will be able to walk in the parade, but there will be plenty of floats for everyone to enjoy.
The route will be a little different this year and will be a little longer than normal as it will go down Main Street and will make a left to head up College Street.
“We just want people to come downtown, and have a safe time” Curtwright stated.
After the parade, stay for a nice meal at one of Batesville’s fine dining establishments before heading to see the wonderful Christmas light display overlooking the White River.
The Pinto had a creative float in last year’s Christmas parade.
Take advantage of the Christmas Capitol of Arkansas, and I promise you won’t be discouraged.
Main Street and the City of Batesville continue to take Covid precautions and enforce the use of masks and maintaining social distancing.
Karin Huffman is an Independence County native who graduated from Cushman High School in 1996. Traveling throughout the state is one of her passions, along with writing about her adventures.
Taking over as travel writer for the Ozark Gateway Region is a dream come true for Huffman who lives in the region with her husband Nathan, two daughters, Grace and Stella and son Kaden.
As a family, they enjoy canoeing the Poke Bayou, Salado Creek and the many waterways along the White River in Independence County. Camping and hiking throughout the region is a must for them in the spring and fall as well.
Huffman is an avid nature photographer who will do just about anything to find the perfect waterfall shot, and has visited many in the great state. From Twin Falls and the Richland Creek area in Northwest Arkansas to little known places off the beaten path, waterfalls will be found.
Huffman has been a travel writer for the Eye on Independence Magazine as well as a staff writer for the Batesville Guard, and is looking forward to devoting her time to traveling throughout the eight county region that the Ozark Gateway offers.
If you would like to contact Huffman about an adventure or would like to know how to get more information out about your area, contact her at 870-307-5473 or karinozarkgateway@sbcglobal.net.