(WNY News Now) – Mayor Wilfred Rosas and the City of Dunkirk, in collaboration with sponsors including Universal Stainless Steel, are thrilled to announce the eagerly awaited “Christmas on Central Small Business Saturday Holiday Market” and the Annual Tree Lighting ceremony set to take place on November 25 in downtown Dunkirk, celebrating local businesses and fostering holiday cheer.
Dunkirk – In a heartwarming celebration of community spirit, the City of Dunkirk, led by Mayor Wilfred Rosas, is gearing up for the eagerly anticipated “Christmas on Central Small Business Saturday Holiday Market” and the beloved Annual Tree Lighting event. This heartwarming occasion, scheduled for Saturday, November 25, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Dunkirk, is set to illuminate the city with festive joy.
The event is proudly presented by Universal Stainless Steel in Dunkirk, with additional support from the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, demonstrating the city’s commitment to local businesses and community engagement.
Taking place both indoors and outdoors, the event offers an exciting opportunity to explore over fifty local vendors and small businesses, providing an extensive selection of holiday gifts and unique finds. The festivities will be spread across various locations, including Northern Chautauqua Catholic School (NCCS), the Stearns Building, the former P&G grocery store, and P*dubs, with additional holiday elements adorning Central Avenue from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Entertainment is in abundance, with live music performances at City Hall by DJ Joe Gould (11 a.m.), Slim & Red (1 p.m.), and Footsteps (3 p.m.). Warm up with complimentary hot cocoa or indulge in delicious food available for purchase from the Central Station Restaurant. Experience the magic of the season with horse-drawn carriage rides, provided by Laff ‘N Lyon Ranch from 12 noon to 4 p.m., and engage in children’s holiday craft-making and cookie frosting. Delight in visits from Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, and Santa’s merry elves from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additionally, witness captivating ice sculpture carving demonstrations by Jamestown Ice & Storage in Stearns Court, commencing at 11 a.m.
To help visitors navigate the holiday shopping extravaganza, a comprehensive shopping map will be available, showcasing participating vendors and promoting special holiday deals and savings at other local businesses throughout the city.
Ryan Hall, Dunkirk Festivals Coordinator, shared the excitement, “Last year we had over 3,000 visitors to Christmas on Central, which was very exciting to see. Several people said that this event reminded them of the holiday seasons from long ago when downtown Dunkirk was bustling with people everywhere.”
Adding to the enchantment, holiday dancers from the McKenna Academy of Dance and Danza! Performing Arts Academy will perform a mesmerizing holiday routine in front of City Hall at 5 p.m.
The highlight of the event, the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, will take place at 5:30 p.m. on the steps of Dunkirk City Hall, featuring Mayor Rosas, city staff, community members, and friends. During this time, a free community gift card drawing will be conducted by city staff member Carol Oliveira.
Attendees are encouraged to bundle up and dress warmly, as the festivities will include both indoor and outdoor activities.
For those interested in supporting the event or becoming a sponsor, corporate sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels: $500 for Tree Lighting Sponsor, $250 for Horse-Drawn Carriage Sponsor, and $100 for Santa Set Sponsor.
For vendor registration and further information about sponsorship, please visit the city’s website at www.cityofdunkirk.com or their Facebook page at “Dunkirk Festivals & Special Events.” For additional inquiries, contact Ryan Hall at the City of Dunkirk at (716) 366-9886 or email rhall@cityofdunkirk.com.
Small Business Saturday, taking place on November 25, is part of a nationwide initiative proudly supported by American Express. It is dedicated to promoting and celebrating local businesses, creating job opportunities, boosting the economy, and enhancing neighborhoods across the country. Small Business Saturday, initially established by American Express in 2010, seeks to address the most pressing need of small business owners: attracting more customers. To learn more, visit ShopSmall.com and connect with them on social media at instagram.com/shopsmall and facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday.
In an era of online shopping and mass-produced goods, Dunkirk’s “Christmas on Central” stands as a shining example of the power of community and small businesses, bringing the true spirit of the holidays to life in the heart of the city. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this heartwarming celebration on November 25, as Dunkirk lights up with festive cheer once again.
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