In full swing and continuing through December
The Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce is excited to continue its holiday programming for the city and the county throughout the #ShopSmall season, hosting events and business promotions for locals and visitors alike.
The ongoing #ShopLocal loyalty card promotion began during Open House, and will run through December 22. To encourage shoppers to support local businesses this holiday season, downtown retailers and restaurants will stamp a downtown loyalty card with every purchase made at a Main Street business. Once shoppers fill their cards, they can turn them into the Chamber of Commerce to be entered into four different raffles for gifts cards and items provided by participating downtown businesses. To get a card, simply visit a downtown Main Street store or pick one up at the Chamber of Commerce. The full list of participating businesses can be found online at https://clevelandmainstreet.com/our-downtown/downtown/.
Downtown Cleveland will also celebrate Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 26, by welcoming Santa Claus to Cotton Row from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. in the parking lot between Our Delta Table and Westerfield, Janoush and Bell Law Offices. There, children are encouraged to write letters to Santa, who will be driving into town on a tractor in recognition of the county’s agricultural sector. Cookies and milk will be available.
Prior to Santa’s arrival, the Martin and Sue King Railroad Heritage Museum will also host Mickey and Minnie Mouse from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., with ornament painting for children who attend. The train museum is requesting one gift item as a donation for that day’s program admission.
Following Small Business Saturday is the Cleveland Christmas Parade, scheduled for Tuesday, November 29. Starting at 6:00 p.m., the parade will make its way down Fifth Avenue before turning down Court St, then moving north along Sharpe Ave before returning to campus via Highway 8. Featuring bands, floats, and giant Christmas balloons sponsored by Cleveland State Bank, this family-friendly event will usher in the Christmas spirit for everyone in the county. Additional sponsorship support is provided by Sparklight and Alfa Insurance, The Tidmore Agency.
The Chamber is seeking volunteers to assist with the line-up of participants for the parade, which will be staged on campus at Delta State. Volunteers with availability from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 29 should contact the Chamber at 662-441-1659.
Several businesses will host extended shopping hours in December on Thursday nights until 7:00p.m. and on Sundays from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. For the full list of participating businesses and their extended shopping hours, visit the Team Cleveland Main Street website.
On Thursdays in December, downtown Cleveland will also host its first weekly Holiday Market, located in the 301 Downtown alley. Pivoting from the success of the Farmers, Makers and Bakers First Thursday Fall Markets, this weekly event will take place December 1st, 8th, and 15th from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m., and will feature hand-made “maker” items in addition to grown and baked goods prepared for the holiday season.
“We’re excited to be hosting the first ever Holiday Markets with the Cleveland Farmers, Makers and Bakers Market,” said Ryan Betz, Market Director. “We hope the Thursday markets and the unique, home-grown and homemade goods by our wonderful vendors add even more to the charm and festive flare for everyone visiting downtown Cleveland. It’s a tradition we look to grow and continue for years to come.”
Additional holiday activities and promotions are actively being added to the community calendar, which can be accessed online at https://clevelandmschamber.com/events/community-calendar/.