LAFAYETTE -- Santa Claus, sleighs and floats were the big news this morning at a press conference, announcing holiday events for the downtown Lafayette-West Lafayette Holiday Season, at the Lafayette Savings Bank Annex building.

“The Holiday Season is one of our favorite times of the year,” says Lafayette Savings Bank president and CEO Randy Williams. “It is truly rewarding to be involved in events and activities that bring so much happiness and cheer to local residents while also highlighting everything that the greater Lafayette community has to offer in our downtown.”

Details on four winter holiday events being hosted by Greater Lafayette Commerce were part of the agenda: The Downtown Lafayette-West Lafayette Merchant Holiday Open House on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13-14; Dickens of a Christmas and the Community Sing/Holiday Lighting Ceremony, both on Saturday Dec. 5; and the Lafayette–West Lafayette Christmas Parade on Sunday, Dec.6.

“Lafayette Savings Bank is the sparkle on the tree! From building award winning floats to hunting candy canes in September. Lafayette Savings Bank keeps this wonderful tradition alive with unbounded spirit and commitment to the community that they have been serving for 140 years,” says Holiday Weekend chair Jenny Hilton.

The festivities begin as Downtown Lafayette-West Lafayette Merchant Holiday Open House invites the community to see the first sparkle of holiday decorations and gifts offered by our downtown merchants, on Friday and Saturday Nov. 13-14. “Wabash Landing and downtown have plenty of unique stores and gift options that are more interesting than you would find anywhere else. There are boutiques that are great places to shop for your daughter, mother and wife, anyone in your family or friends,” says Tamar Lask, owner of Juniper.

Another weekend of holiday events begins on Saturday, Dec. 5 with Dickens of a Christmas. Downtown Lafayette and West Lafayette will be transformed into the Victorian England of Charles Dickens as we celebrate the holiday classic. Streets will be filled with carolers, crafters demonstrating their skills, choral and theatre entertainment from hilltop to hilltop. Tonya Juarez, designer at Lafayette Office Supply, Inc. commented, "I enjoy bringing my two children down to Dickens to enjoy the festive atmosphere ...especially the carolers.” Scenes from Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol” will be recreated with costumed characters throughout the day with the final scene at Riehle Plaza with the community sing and holiday lighting. The event will also include a special Dickens Farmers Market and many other surprises during the day.

Saturday evening will light up as the City of Lafayette illuminates its Christmas tree and the courthouse for the Community Sing/Holiday Lighting Celebration. A big thanks goes to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local No. 668 who volunteer their time to install the lighting throughout downtown every holiday. The last climatic scene of a “Christmas Carol” will be staged at Riehle Plaza with the Jefferson High School First Edition Show Choir who will perform all of the holiday classics. It will be a great evening of entertainment that is free and open to the public. After the lighting you can enjoy the view from one of the many food and beverage establishments downtown, warm up to a hot chocolate or hot toddy and enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends.

The holiday events will round up a popular tradition that has been in our community for over 50 years. The Lafayette-West Lafayette Christmas Parade, the largest holiday parade in the state, will take place on Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. Grand Marshals Jim and Wes Shook will lead the way for the “I’ll be Home for Christmas” themed parade and floats. Jim and Wes have been pillars of our community for many years leading many causes, giving their talent and treasures and running a successful small business the Shook Agency a full service real estate company for over 45 years. “Wes and I are very honored to be Grand Marshals this year. It’s a great tradition that makes our community special,” says Jim Shook. Wes Shook adds, “The holidays are a special time for our family as we gather each year and even more special with this honor of being Grand Marshals.” “What a wonderful tradition we maintain, gathering one afternoon every year to honor this glorious season of loving and giving,” says Hilton. “So bundle up and come see how your neighbors celebrate when they are “Home for Christmas.”

Although the Christmas Parade is the last in line for our cheery holiday events, deadlines are coming up soon. The application deadline for those wishing to participate in the Parade is Monday, Nov. 16 and there is a $25 entry fee for corporate entries and $10 fee for 501 (c) 3 and government public safety vehicles. Applications are available at www.LafayetteWestLafayetteChristmasParade.com or at Greater Lafayette Commerce, 337 Columbia Street, downtown Lafayette.