Downtown for the Holidays seeks community involvement

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Downtown South Bend (DTSB) is looking for community involvement for their upcoming “Downtown for the Holidays.”

One way to get involved is by creating an entry for the Gingerbread Village Competition.

Bakers of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to submit a handmade gingerbread house by December 1.

Fully assembled entries can be dropped off to the Courtyard by Marriot located at 121 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Public viewing for Santa’s Gingerbread village will be from December 3 – 24 inside the Courtyard by Marriot lobby.

Registration is free and can be completed at www.downtownsouthbend.com/gingerbread-village.

Another way to get involved is by participating in the Holiday Light Parade.

The fifth annual Holiday Lights Parade will take place December 10 from 7:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. on Jefferson Blvd.

The parade will consist of lighted holiday-themed floats as well as walking displays.

Community members, local organizations and businesses can apply by December 3 at www.downtownsouthbend.com/holiday-parade.

Last but not least, local businesses and organizations are invited to sponsor and decorate a downtown tree in this year’s Festival of Trees.

The trees will be in the downtown flower bowls with sponsorships going to fund DTSB’s Downtown for the Holidays programming.

The cost to sponsor a tree is $100.

Sponsors are encouraged to decorate their tree in time for Small Business Saturday which will take place on November 27.

The public will vote on the trees via social media and a winner will be announced December 24.

If interested, please contact Kylie Carter at [email protected] by November 30.

For more information on these events and more you can visit www.downtownsouthbend.com or call 574-282-1110.