Special
EVENTS
OPENING LIGHTING CEREMONY The Wonderland of Lights Opening Lighting Ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 24 in front of the historic Harrison County Courthouse. A brief ceremony will take place and feature performances from both a children’s choir and your hometown sweethearts, the Mavettes – Marshall’s rendition of the New York Rockettes. Wonderland of Lights begins when Santa Claus himself flips the switch on millions of white lights on the historic 1901 Harrison County Courthouse and along North Washington Avenue! The fun continues with outdoor ice skating, carousel, train, trolley and horse drawn carriage rides through downtown’s dazzling light displays, Santa’s Village, and live entertainment nightly. See you at countdown! WASSAIL WALK; A SAMPLING OF THE SEASON ON SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Downtown merchants will be competing for bragging rights for the best holiday brew during the Fourth Annual Wassail Walk, an event in conjunction with National Small Business Saturday. The event is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27. Wassail is a hot drink that is made with wine, beer or cider, spices, sugar and usually baked apples. It is traditionally served from a large bowl, especially at Christmastime. Wassail Walk participants put their own twists on the recipes, which are heavily guarded secrets among the cooks. Wassail will be served at various shops, stores and restaurants in historic downtown Marshall. Shoppers and other downtown visitors are invited to warm their bodies and spirits by sampling the various recipes, which will be judged on both taste and 10
presentation. Participating merchants are also battling for the coveted People’s Choice award in which shoppers and visitors will be able to cast their vote for the best wassail. The competition is fierce, but the wassail is a warm and welcome respite for holiday shoppers. Wassail Walk is a great day to come downtown, do a little Christmas shopping, have lunch, drink some delicious warm wassail and enjoy the season. This event is held in conjunction with American Express Small Business Saturday, a national campaign, and is a great way to show your support for local business owners. Wassail will be served at various shops and restaurants in historic downtown Marshall. Souvenir tasting cups and a list of participating merchants can be picked up at the Visitor Center, located at 211 N. Washington the morning of the event. CHRISTMAS PARADE LIGHTS UP DOWNTOWN In Partnership with the Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce The 2021 Wonderland of Lights Christmas Parade will once again wind its way through historic downtown Marshall at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. The lighted parade features antique and classic cars, marching bands, drill teams, lighted floats, mounted horses and, of course, Santa Claus. Trophies will be awarded for the following categories: best band presentation, best equine/horse, best lighted entry, best lighted truck, best lighted car, peppiest entry, best lighted agricultural and most unique entry. Non-lighted entries will not be eligible for awards. Entry forms for floats are due at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021. Forms are available at the Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce located at 110 S Bolivar. WONDERLAND OF LIGHTS 2021
