Work crews secure the Christmas tree in Stellar Plaza earlier this week for next Saturday’s Christmas in the City event in North Vernon.
Submitted photo
NORTH VERNON – The Christmas in the City event is gearing up for next weekend, with planners hoping the annual parade and market with the theme “Joy to the World” lives up to its billing as “a night straight out of a Hallmark movie”.
The fun will begin Saturday at 4 p.m. with a Christmas Market, live Nativity and frozen castle along Madison Avenue, kids train rides, live Christmas music, food trucks, a festival of trees, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus and more, continuing until 8 p.m. Most events are near or at Stellar Plaza.
A Christmas Parade of Lights will begin with a lineup on East O&M Avenue, proceeding down North Madison Avenue, then Main Street to Jennings Avenue, then circling back on the recently renovated and reopened Walnut Street to Fifth Street. Local streets near the route will be closed during the parade.
Serving as grand marshal of the parade will be Patti Yount, president of the Park Theatre Civic Center and a longtime civic leader in the North Vernon and Jennings County communities.
At 6:45 p.m., North Vernon Mayor Mike Ochs will light the festival Christmas tree, and the festivities will be topped off with a special showing of the Christmas class “Elf” at the Park Theater. Tickets must be purchased at the box office.
The Christmas in the City event is free and open to all, with free parking available at the Police Station parking lot, city hall and other designated places near the events.
