FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CARBONDALE -
Carbondale will host a number of Winter Festivities, beginning with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, followed by the long time cherished Carbondale tradition- the
Lights Fantastic Parade!
The Tree Lighting Ceremony will occur on November 30 from 5-7 PM in the Town Square Pavilion. Donations for the Police Department’s Coats for Kids Drive will be collected at this event. If you wish to spread some warmth this winter, please donate new coats for children ages 1-8 years old. Following the Tree Lighting Ceremony, the community tree will be lit nightly at 5 PM throughout the Holiday season.
The following Saturday, December 2, will be the
Lights Fantastic Parade. Road closures and detours of Main Street, Walnut Street, and Illinois Avenue will begin at 5 PM. The parade will begin at 6 PM and run along Illinois Ave. from Grand Ave. to Main Street. Roads will reopen promptly after the parade ends, typically around 8 PM. Both of these events will include special treats such as cookies and hot cocoa, seasonal crafts, and a very special guest appearance… Santa! We hope you can join for all of the merriment and cheer. For the Lights Fantastic Parade, free shuttle rides will be provided to Downtown Carbondale from the Murdale Shopping Center and University Mall. Shuttle buses will pick up passengers every 30 minutes between 4:30- 6:30 PM. Shuttle rides will resume upon the conclusion of the parade with the last buses leaving downtown Carbondale prior to 8:30 PM.
SHUTTLE BUS STOPS:
-Murdale Shopping Center (pickup near the barbershop) and Oak & Illinois (drop off near the Dayemi Community Center)
-University Mall (pickup near the main mall entrance by Maurice’s) and Washington & Main (drop off near Veteran’s Memorial Plaza)
“Carbondale prides itself on providing its visitors, students, businesses and residents with a unique mix of edge and ease. It’s a cultural town, yet free of pretense, embracing the great outdoors as readily as urban sophistication. Here, we are open to new ideas, experiences and cultures, so you are encouraged to both express yourself and be yourself, in all ways. That’s Carbondale…All Ways Open…for family, fun, business, new ideas and a bright tomorrow.”
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