Singing With Santa and holiday tree lighting set for Nov. 29

Business Improvement District now overseeing holiday kick-off event

Durango, CO – The holiday season in Downtown Durango will officially begin on Friday, Nov. 29, 2013, with the annual Singing With Santa celebration and lighting of the holiday tree in Buckley Park (Main Ave. and 12th St., Durango). Carolers are asked to arrive at the park by 4:45 p.m.

The Durango Business Improvement District (BID) has assumed coordination of the festivities, previously handled by the Boys & Girls Club of La Plata County.

“It meets the BID’s mission to draw people to our district and help sustain the economic vitality, so we were happy to take the lead,” said Tim Walsworth, BID executive director. “Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in a horse-drawn carriage about 5 p.m. and we’ll have a great time singing all the favorite Christmas carols and light the tree. It’s an awesome tree.”

The giant 100-ft. spruce at the corner of Main and 12th, which has become a landmark during Durango’s holiday season, is being re-draped with thousands of new LED lights thanks to support of Eagle Crane, Durango Motor Company and La Plata Electric Association. Lights are expected to be hung on Tuesday, Nov. 26.

“Festivities will conclude with free hot chocolate and cookies across the street on Guido’s patio,” added Walsworth. “We truly want to thank all the businesses that helped us pull this together.”

In addition to the aforementioned, sponsors include the Durango Chamber of Commerce, Durango Diplomats, City of Durango, Solera Mortgage, Directory Plus, McDonalds, Lost Dog Bar and Lounge, Prairie Fire Percherons and Durango Party Rental.

In past years, the evening also included a parade up Main. However, in support of its constituents – the many merchants on Main Ave. that experienced business interruption during the parade – BID opted to not hold the activity and focus the family-friendly events at Buckley Park.

For further information call 970.375.5067 or visit www.downtowndurango.org.