NEW THIS YEAR: A MINI HOLIDAY MARKET
It’s nearing time for Downtown Platte City’s largest event of the year.
The annual Holiday Lighting Celebration is set for Wednesday, Nov. 26 on Main Street. As in years past, the celebration is the night before Thanksgiving. It will run from 5-8 p.m.
Trolley rides from the Platte County High School parking lot to/from Main Street will once again be offered. Trolley riders get to escape the task of finding a parking spot near the downtown area, which is expected to be crowded again this year.
Trolley rides begin at 4:30 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m.
Theme for this year’s festival is “White Christmas,” says Jamie Kacz, executive director of the sponsoring organization, the Platte City Chamber of Commerce.
Who gets the honor of flipping the switch to turn on the downtown lights this year?
Howard Prost gets that honor, which will happen at approximately 5:30 p.m., Kacz said.
“Howard gets the honor of flipping the switch that will light up Main Street. Howard has been involved with Platte City’s Holiday Lighting for more than 20 years, and his dedication to creating unforgettable sound and lighting for the event has added extra magic to our celebration year after year,” said Kacz.
“We are thrilled to recognize his decades of creativity, service and holiday spirit,” she added.
The festivities will begin with community performances from 5 to 5:30 p.m. at the Platte County Courthouse, showcasing local talent and “setting the tone for a joyful evening before the official lighting ceremony.”
Performances include Platte County High School Concert Choir, Beatniks Dance Studio, Cade Polsgrove, and Harper Haus Music Company.
The public can enjoy carriage rides, a petting zoo, visits with Santa, and make-and-take holiday crafts for children.
“Our popular Sticker Stop game will return, giving kiddos a fun way to explore Main Street while collecting special stickers from participating businesses for a chance to win a toy,” Kacz explained.
“This year, we’re also adding extra magic with glowing bubbles and a snowball bounce house,” she remarked.
Throughout the evening at Second and Main, attendees can warm up with free hot chocolate, s’mores, snacks, and hot dogs grilled by the Central Platte Fire Protection District.
“All food and activities are free for the community, thanks to our generous sponsors, local businesses, and the City of Platte City,” Kacz said.
“The only food truck is Sizzle and Sweet, and they are providing free hot chocolate,” Kacz explained.
A new feature this year is a Mini Holiday Market set up inside the Platte City Chamber of Commerce office at 620 Third Street.
Kacz explains the market will feature five local vendors inside the chamber office.
“It’s a wonderful way to shop local, support small businesses, and discover unique, handcrafted gifts for the season,” she said.
Visitors can also purchase the chamber’s limited-edition Holiday Lighting ornament, a special keepsake that lets you take a little piece of this Platte City tradition home with you.
HOLIDAY LIGHTING ROAD
CLOSURES
For planning purposes, here are the streets that will be affected by closures for the lighting ceremony.
Fourth Street from Main to Paxton
First Street from Main to Paxton
Second Street from Main to Paxton
Third Street from High St. to Paxton.
Main Street from 501 Main to First Street.
Ferrel Street from First to Fourth Street.
Marshall Road from the Platte Business Center (the building in which The Landmark is located) to Fourth Street.
Main and Third Streets will be closing at 3 p.m.
Remainder closing at 4:30 p.m.
Detours: Paxton/High.
Prairie View/Vine.
All reopening at 9 p.m.
