Main Street El Dorado's annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony ushered in the holiday season on Thursday with a mix of music, dancing and the yearly flip switch to turn on the downtown Christmas lights.
The festivities were in full effect before the ceremony even began, with Santa and his (El Dorado) elves posing for pictures and mingling with the packed crowd gathered outside the Union County Courthouse.
Emcees Karen Hicks with the El Dorado/Union County Chamber of Commerce and KTVE's Cindy Langston led the ceremony itself, which began with announcements including introductions of this year's Christmas parade grand marshals.
Salvation Army Majors David and Joanna Robinson also announced the start of the organization's yearly Angel Tree and Red Kettle Campaigns.
"It is the 44th year the Salvation Army Angel Tree has been here. We have 40 more families and 140 more children we are helping this year," Joanna Robinson said. "Angels" can be adopted from the main tree at the Salvation Army or from a tree at Healthworks Fitness. Participants purchase Christmas gifts for the child as part of the program.
Maj. David Robinson then announced the start of the Red Kettle campaign.
"In 25 years, this is the only [community] that I've had 100% volunteer Kettles. We can raise $70,000," David Robinson said.
The campaign kicked off Friday.
Bell ringers will be located outside places such as Wal-Mart and Brookshires.
Local residents can sign up to ring the bell at registertoring.com.
The light switch honors this year were given to Beau Kuttenkuler of Sheridan and Kyle Tolley of Jonesboro, members of South Arkansas College's regional champion team.
SouthArk athletic director Justin Geurin spoke before the players turned on the lights, explaining how a baseball program that started just in 2021 found success, winning a regional title and earning a trip to the NJCAA World Series in Enid, Oklahoma.
A succession of talented local acts performed after the lights came on, including the Washington Middle School choir and Young Artist Studio, among others.
Other upcoming holiday events
Downtown Holiday Open House, 1 - 4 p.m., Today
Downtown shops, restaurants and other venues will offer special savings, sales and seasonal treats.
Rides will be offered for free on a horse-drawn carriage and Queen City Train. Santa will be on hand for free photos.
At 1 p.m., new downtown restaurant Gourmet 2 Geaux will host Kat Robinson, author of "The Great Arkansas Pie Book." The event will include pie tastings, book sales and a meet-and-greet and book signings with Robinson.
Across the square, PJ's Coffee will host Louisiana author Ann Marie Jameson for a meet-and-greet from noon until 4 p.m.
Pre-Black Friday, 7 - 11 p.m., Nov. 23.
Downtown shops will provide an early start to holiday shopping on Thanksgiving with sales and pajama-party themed event.
Small Business Saturday, Nov. 25. Shoppers are encouraged to join the national campaign promoted by American Express to support small businesses -- local, independent retailers, restaurants and business owners. Free holiday gift totes will be available in participating stores while supplies last.
El Dorado, Christmas Parade, 7 p.m., Dec. 7.
Santa on the Square, Dec. 9.
The day will kick off from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. with a new activity. Pancakes and Pajamas with Santa will be held at new downtown restaurant Barefoot Bistro.
Breakfast will include pancakes, bacon and choice of milk or orange juice.
The cost is $25.
Parents are encouraged to bring their kids, their wish lists and a festive spirit.
Register online at https://pancakes-with-santa-61939.cheddarup.com.
Free train and horse-and-carriage rides and Santa will be available from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Other happenings that are planned downtown for the holiday season include other opportunities to mingle and take free photos with Santa.
The DBA is sponsoring the meet-and-greets from 1 - 4 p.m. on Nov. 19 and 2 - 5 p.m. on Dec. 2.
Check the Downtown El Dorado and MSE Facebook pages for updates and exact locations in which Santa will appear.
Horse-drawn carriage rides will be available each weekend between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.
The cost is $30 per couple and $5 each for additional riders.
MSE also offers gift cards in $25 increments that are redeemable at participating retail stores and restaurants in the downtown area.
For more information, call the MSE office 870-862-4747 or visit. www.mainstreeteldorado.org. Also, follow @mainstreeteldorado on social media.
Tia Lyons contributed reporting.
Beau Kuttenkuler and Kyle Tolley with the Southark Stars baseball team took light switch honors this year. (Matt Hutcheson/News-Times)
The 2024 El Dorado Christmas parade marshals were announced during the Holiday Lighting Ceremony. (Matt Hutcheson/News-Times)