Hometown Christmas Is This Weekend

 

The Hometown Christmas Board was busy on Friday, Nov. 27 hanging lights around the courthouse square in Nashville. “This is just one way we hope to give back to the community and make the town look festive,” said HTC Board member Mandi Povolish. “It is crazy out here but we are having so much fun with our families doing this. I hope all the other families in town enjoy it, too,” she said.

The Nashville Hometown Christmas will look a little different this year due to COVID. Many of the events have become either virtual or drive-thru, while others were postponed until next year. “We are excited to bring everyone our annual tree lighting virtually on Friday night,” said Courtney Gladson of the HTC Board. “And what is more exciting is to have Douglas Habbe and his family coming to do the honors.”

The Holiday Market and Food Fest is still in person with social distancing and masks highly recommended. The Market, which features nearly 70 craft and food vendors, will be held around the courthouse square from 9am to 6pm. Come support local and regional craftspeople and businesses, grab lunch or dinner, and complete your holiday shopping.

The Candy Cane Lane Kids zone has become a drive thru event. Families can line up along N. Kaskaskia to go south towards the courthouse and then past the tree on W. Elm exiting onto State Rt. 15. Kids will get lots of goodies and families can see the beautiful tree from their cars.

The 2nd Annual 5K, dubbed the Whoville Hustle this year to go along with the “Grinch” theme, was moved to a virtual race. The Gingerbread House, Cookie Decorating, and Whoville Dress Up contests are all virtual. You can send your entries to nashvillechristmas@gmail.com

There is also a new drive in movie this year since the State Theater could not host it. Show times are 5pm and 8pm with two different Grinch movies. The tickets are free, but must be purchased online and picked up at the Holiday Market at the Erin Elizabeth Clothing booth. Email nashvillechristmas@gmail.com for more information or questions.

Around town you will also notice the “Steal a Shrub” contest. Area groups, businesses and families signed up to decorate the downtown shrubs in various holiday styles. “We are thrilled with how the community has embraced this fun event. There is so much creativity on display. We just love seeing them all and the fun people have walking around to view them,” said Gladson. There is also a Porch Decorating contest. Email nashvillechristmas@gmail.com or visit the group’s Facebook page for a list of participating homes to drive by and see the festive decor.

While it all looks a bit different this year, the Hometown Christmas Board hopes that this event will bring joy and a festive atmosphere to our town. “Neither this crazy year or COVID can steal Christmas,” said Gladson.