By Nick Gonnella
NKyTribune contributor
Businesses and merchants in Burlington are teaming up to plan a memorable weekend Dec. 4 through Dec. 6, that commemorates both the town’s heritage and the holiday season.
The Historic Burlington Business Association (HBBA) invites Boone County residents and visitors to “A Burlington Christmas,” offering a celebration of the historical aspect of Christmas and small-town atmosphere. Local merchants chipped in to finance the weekend, and shops and restaurants will be open special hours.
A Burlington Christmas has taken place for at least 20 years, according to Marty McDonald, executive director of the Historic Dinsmore Homestead.
Teaming up with the Boone County Historical Society, the HBBA is featuring several aspects of the approaching holiday season.
Linda Whittenburg, owner of Cabin Arts Quilt Shop on North Jefferson Street, said the celebration is about more than shopping and presents.
“We like to concentrate on some real pleasant experiences for the whole family, back to the true meaning of Christmas – having time together with family – and to show what wonderful things we have to offer in Burlington,” Whittenburg said. “It’s a wonderful way to experience the way Christmas used to be in the old days.”
HBBA is a group of businesses that have come together with the purpose of preserving the historical integrity of downtown Burlington and promoting an atmosphere for thriving businesses and services.
Jackie Steele, president of HBBA said every member of the Historic Burlington Business Association is an owner of a family-owned and operated business.
“We’re all residents of Boone County, and love our little small hometown,” Steele said. “We’re trying to make businesses thrive in downtown Burlington, and make it a place to eat, play and do business. That’s our major motto. We truly embrace the small business theory.”
The annual tree lighting by the gazebo is set to ring in the festivities Friday night, from 5:45 p.m. until 7 p.m. Children from the Bowman Music School will provide live caroling, while Linnemann Funeral Home will furnish hot chocolate and donuts. Santa is set to arrive at 6:30 p.m. in time for the tree lighting and to visit with the children.
“We like to have this event in the beginning of December, especially starting out with the tree-lighting, so you can kick off your holiday season,” said Steele, co-owner of Steele’s Hometown Tires on Route 18. “There are a lot of new people who live in the area, and this is the chance for them to go out and explore some of the natural treasures of their area. It’s just a really nice way to take in as little or as much as you like.”
The much anticipated display of an operating train, along with an exhibit of vintage toys and Christmas items, is slated Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Steve Conrad, Boone County Historical Society treasurer, is showcasing a 1950s American Flyer train inside the old county clerk’s building behind the administration building.
“That just seems like it’s the hit of the party,” said Conrad of the train display. “Kids find it really great fun and we try to get in historic Christmas items of Christmases past.”
Conrad will include working accessories such as an oil drum loader, cattle loader and a saw mill. He estimated it will take about six or seven hours to prepare the display.
Conrad compared it to the train displays that past generations saw at department stores, which have decreased in number over the years. However, he aims to resurrect that lost magic next weekend.
“Trains are so much a part of Christmas,” said Conrad, whose wife Betsy is the historical society president. “The magic of Christmas that department stores showed off was just phenomenal. It was a very special time of year.”
Highlighting Saturday’s schedule is the Dinsmore Homestead’s “Christmas in the Country.” Guests can enjoy homemade cookies and fudge, hot chocolate, and hot mulled cider, along with holiday crafts for the kids.
A big attraction is the Forget-Me-Not Historic Dancers, dressed in 1850s ballroom clothes, offering dances with children and adults from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“People really have a good time,” said McDonald. “The dancers are a lot of fun in the evening, especially.
Dinsmore Homestead, a living history site where visitors learn what rural life was like in the 19th and early 20th centuries, will provide tours and refreshments from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Candlelight tours will give visitors a unique holiday feel.
Steele called Dinsmore an amazing Burlington treasure.
“Dinsmore Homestead is a wonderful, wonderful jewel in Boone County that I think a lot of people haven’t gotten around to see,” Steele said. “It’s a great way to get them out to see what the area has to offer. It’s just really a neat place to go.”
Admission to Christmas in the Country is $5 for adults under 60 years, $3 for those 60 and over, $2 ages 5 to 17, and free to kids under five.
“The candlelight tour is an awesome way to kick off your Christmas,” said Steele.
The Dinsmore Holiday Gift Shop will be open for two days at the Cabin Arts Cabinette on Jefferson Street, Friday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Earlier in the day, the Boone County Animal Shelter will sponsor the Santa Paws Parade at the Boone County Courthouse at 1 p.m.
Kinman Farms will offer face-painting and a petting zoo from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and the Eagle Bend Alpaca Farm on East Bend will have a gift shop open.
Restaurants such as Washington Square Café and Catering, a small-town restaurant with an outdoor patio, will provide cookie decorating and hot chocolate on Saturday.
For more information on “A Burlington Christmas” click here