Mayor Wilfred Rosas and the City of Dunkirk Festivals and Special Events Department will be hosting the Central Small Business Saturday Holiday Market Christmas and Annual Tree in Downtown Dunkirk on Saturday, November 25th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. We look forward to announcing the lighting ceremony.
This event is sponsored by Dunkirk event sponsor Universal Stainless Steel. Other sponsors include the New York State Department of Developmental Disabilities.
The indoor and outdoor pop-up shopping event aims to highlight local businesses and their impact on the community.
Local vendors and activities will be held at Northern Chautauqua Catholic School (NCCS), the Stearns Building, the former P&G grocery store, P*Dove, and other locations from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Other holiday elements of the outdoor Central Avenue are also included.
The day will feature live music from DJ Joe Gould (11 a.m.), Slim & Red (1 p.m.) and Footsteps (3 p.m.) at City Hall, as well as exhibits from more than 50 vendors and small businesses. This is a great time to purchase holiday gifts. Other activities include complimentary hot cocoa and food available for purchase at the Central Station Restaurant, complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides on two wagons presented by Lafn Lyon Ranch this year from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m., and holiday crafts for children. Includes making and cookie frosting. Visit with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph and the elves from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by an ice carving demonstration by Jamestown Ice & Storage in Stearns Court starting at 11 a.m.
The event will also feature a shopping map promoting participating vendors and other holiday sales and discounts at other local businesses in the city.
“Last year we had over 3,000 people come to Christmas at Central, which was really exciting.” Dunkirk Festival Coordinator Ryan Hall said: “Several people said this event reminded them of the holiday seasons of old when downtown Dunkirk was packed with people everywhere.”
Holiday Dancers from McKenna Dance Academy (5 p.m.) and Danza! Performing Arts Academy (5:15 p.m.) will perform their holiday routines in front of City Hall.
The event concludes with the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the steps of Dunkirk Town Hall starting at 5:30 p.m. Mayor Rosas, staff, community members and friends will be in attendance.
Free community gift cards will be drawn during the event by City Clerk Carol Oliveira.
Participants are reminded to dress warmly during indoor and outdoor walking events.
Corporate event sponsorships are available at the following levels: $500 – Tree Lighting Sponsor, $250 – Carriage Sponsor, $100 – Santa Set Sponsor.
If you are interested in sponsoring or becoming a craft, gift, food or children’s activity vendor, please visit the city’s website www.cityofdunkirk.com or the Dunkirk Festival & Special Events Facebook page for a registration form .
For more information, contact the City of Dunkirk’s Ryan Hall at (716) 366-9886 or rhall@cityofdunkirk.com.