As the snow flurries start and the wind starts to chill, One’s mind begins to reminiscing about caroling, hot cocoa and the bustling holiday season. Fort Madison’s Historic Main Street will come to life as the picturesque backdrop for “Mistletoe on Main Street”, Friday, December 13th, 2013, from 5 to 7pm.
The celebration begins as our area shops will remain open from 5 to 7 pm, for you to stop by and purchase unique gifts. Imagine yourself transported back in time with carolers singing, the scents of Christmas in the air and the smiling, friendly faces of our downtown merchants greeting you as you come through the door. Outside vendors will be located on both the 700 & 800 blocks, with hot cocoa stands set up, to keep you warm and toasty. The area’s youth and church choirs will be caroling up and down Main Street, singing the hymns we have all grown to love throughout the years.
A unique feature of this year’s Mistletoe on Main Street, is Our Book Walk. Fort Madison’s Library has coordinated with area shops and The North Lee County Historical Society, to post the pages out of The Polar Express and Snowmen at Night throughout Main Street, starting at the Fort Madison Area Arts Association and looping down to 7th street and back to 9th street.
You can “read” along your shopping route, building to the grand finale, located at our North Lee County Historical Society, 814 10th St, Riverview Park. Fort Madison’s North Pole Express will be decorated, with the conductor decked out in his holiday best, waiting to give you a tour. Just stop down at the Santa Fe Depot and get the perfect holiday photo. There is a $5.00 donation per photo, with all proceeds benefiting the historic depot and the North Lee County Historical Society. The Fort Madison Area Art Association will also have displays open representing area artist with unique artwork available to purchase. So make sure you peruse the artists on display.
Santa Claus will be in residence at the Sheaffer Pen Museum; located at 627 Ave G. He will be greeting holiday visitors with a friendly “Ho! Ho!” starting at 5pm. Santa has also made arrangements for a mailbox to be installed that has direct access to the North Pole. The Box will be available from the evening of the 13th through the 21st of December, 2013. Make sure to address your letters to Santa with your name and return address and watch the mail. Santa Claus will be sending you a personalized response.
After whispering in Santa’s ear, imagine their delight, when you head down to the Ivy Downtown to step aboard a horse drawn carriage, and are whisked away down Main Street, with the fresh winter air and the joyous holiday music. You can take in all the historic store fronts with their holiday decorations and share friendly waves with the passersby. After dismounting the carriage, The Artist Next Door Shop will be open for our Make & Take Craft Event. Step in, take a peek at the area artists’ displays and make a holiday craft item to take home with you.
Starting at 7:30 pm, The Old Fort Players, located at 725 Avenue G, in the heart of Main Street Fort Madison, will be performing "It's a Wonderful Life". Make sure you stop on by and enjoy this American tradition with us.
It is a truly unique and wonderful opportunity to enjoy the holiday season and support area merchants. Small Town America is right at your doorstep. Come and experience Main Street Fort Madison, Iowa, we are always moving.