Platte City activities begin at 5:30 p.m.
It has become a popular Thanksgiving Eve tradition and is ready to roll Wednesday evening.
All ages will enjoy the excitement of “Whoville” for this year’s Holiday Lighting Celebration in Platte City as horse-drawn carriage rides and viewing Santa’s reindeer are part of the evening’s activities for area children and their families.
This annual community event is Platte City’s largest of the year and free of charge. Attendees will enjoy hearing holiday music performed by the Siegrist Elementary Show Biz Kids, the Platte County High School Concert Choir (on the courthouse steps), the Platte City Community Band and High School Brass Ensemble (corner of 3rd & Main) plus a PCHS Flute Ensemble (in the Ben Ferrel Museum).
The Platte City Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Platte City invite area residents, their families and friends to this free celebration kicking off the holiday season on Wednesday, Nov. 27 starting at 5:25 p.m. on Main Street, downtown Platte City.
Activities begin at the courthouse steps including vocal music and the traditional 6 p.m. countdown to turn on the holiday lights. Other highlights include recognition of the Pirates R.O.C.K. Character Ed students, and a holiday greeting from both the mayor of Platte City and the Platte County Commission. The 2019 Snow Princess will be introduced and rumor has it the Grinch himself may join in the celebration.
Don’t miss the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus at about 6:01 p.m. as they make their way to the lobby of the Platte County Government Offices.
Parents are welcome to take pictures or a professional photographer will be on hand to take pictures for a $5 cash fee. You will take your printed photo home with you. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer & Vixon will be accompanying Santa & Mrs. Claus this year. Santa’s reindeer can be visited on Main Street in front of the courthouse.
Activities back by popular demand include professional face painters (inside City Hall), balloon art (in the Santa Line) and children’s rides on Third Street in front of the chamber office. A mini fire truck and mini train run throughout the evening carrying children on a short ride. Horse-drawn carriage or sleigh rides will depart from in front of the courthouse starting at 6 p.m. Make & Take children’s holiday crafts are located in the Baptist Church Education Building at 229 Main St.
The Main Street “sticker stops” game board is a fun adventure for kids as they search to find the seven locations named on the game board. Children will receive a sticker at each location until their board is complete. Completed game boards are then turned in at the Chamber office (620 Third St) or the Fire Station or City Hall, to be placed in a box to draw for prizes. Winners of the drawings will be notified in early December. The prizes will be on display inside the chamber office during the holiday lighting event.
Also, take advantage of the opportunity to tour the Ben Ferrel Museum at 3rd and Ferrel Streets to experience a taste of local history. The evening’s theme, “Whoville” is woven throughout the museum decorations. Meet the Snow Princess and enjoy a flute ensemble performance while you tour the museum.
As you stroll through downtown, enjoy complimentary hot cocoa, cider, coffee, popcorn, cotton candy, cookies, trail mix, and doughnut holes. Sit and enjoy a warm fire as you listen to holiday music. The city is providing grilled hot dogs, chips and water at no cost. The firemen are preparing chili this year to go with your hot dog. These will be served by police and fire personnel from the Fire Station at the corner of 2nd & Main. Central Platte Firemen welcome everyone to tour their station and trucks parked at the corner of 2nd and Main. The Northland Regional Ambulance District will have an ambulance to tour at the same location. In addition, there is the option of food trucks located on the north side of 3rd and Main.
Trolley shuttles run every 15 to 20 minutes from the high school parking lot to downtown between 4:45 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The LandmarkNewspaper office, 252 Main St., will be giving away candy canes beginning at 5:30 p.m while supply lasts.
