Christmas on the Square 2013 Includes Carolers, Roaming Characters, Train Ride & Live Nativity

A storybook window display following the escapades of Clarence the Christmas Camel, will be highlightedChristmas on the Square and will usher in the holiday season for Hendricks County residents and visitors again this year.

Scheduled from 4-6 p.m. November 29, the experience will include a variety of family activities as the town closes all four streets around the Courthouse Square to vehicular traffic.

Christmas on the Square Activities

Storybook Window Display

Beginning with a book reading at 4 p.m. at the Royal Theater, windows around the Square will be unveiled with each representing a page turning the area into the giant storybook, “Clarence the Christmas Camel.”

Live Nativity Scene

As in recent years, a nativity area with live animals will be stationed at the corner of Washington and Marion streets.

Train Rides

This free activity will occur on Jefferson Street.

Childrens’ Activities

A juggler, face painters and balloon artists will be stationed at various locations inside businesses around the Square. Children also will be able to fill a complimentary stocking with candy and prizes as they visit the various merchants around the Square.

Strolling Carolers

A group of jolly singers will provide a bit of ambience harkening back to traditional Christmas celebrations.

Roaming Holiday Characters

Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, a snowman and Christmas tree will stroll around the square greeting visitors.

Holiday Melodrama

The Danville High School Drama Department will perform at 3 and 5 p.m. inside the Royal Theater.

Tree Lighting

Santa, Mrs. Claus and one child will flip the switch to light up the Downtown Square to end the evening.

For more information about Christmas on the Square, visit VisitDowntownDanville.com.

Images: Hendricks County CVB

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel, food, wine and spirits columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Personal Lifestyle Adviser on Indy Style, WISH8 (CBS). Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, and in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Mayberry Café Owners Honored by Lt. Governor for Tourism Contributions

*Press Release*
DANVILLE, IN – The creators of an iconic Central Indiana attraction known for its down-home cooking, replica police cruiser sitting out front and other charms that pay homage to the legendary 1960s sitcom, “The Andy Griffith Show,” received statewide recognition for their service to Indiana tourism on Wednesday.

Brad and Christine Born, owners of the Mayberry Café in Danville, were one of 18 recipients of the 2013 Lieutenant Governor’s Hoosier Hospitality Awards during an afternoon ceremony at the Indiana Statehouse.

Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann presented the Borns and other honorees with their awards in conjunction with Visit Indiana Week, May 5-11, which is also National Tourism Week.

“Indiana has a national reputation for Hoosier hospitality, and the men and women we acknowledge exemplify excellence in service,” Ellspermann said. “It is with great pleasure that we honor the best of the best in an industry vitally important to Indiana’s economy.”

Since 1992, the Borns have not only served food and plenty of nostalgia on the Historic Hendricks County Courthouse Square in Danville, but they also have been a tourism fixture for Hendricks County and the state. Lovers of the “Andy Griffith Show” come in droves every year from all over the U.S. and other countries to visit the Mayberry Cafe.

Visit Hendricks County shares places to go and things to do in Hendricks County.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, and in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Hendricks County Launches Tourism Blog

Hendricks County blog to provide insider tourism information

DANVILLE, IN – Hendricks County residents and visitors now have a new tool to keep up with events, attractions and other tourism-related happenings within the county.

            The Hendricks County Convention and Visitors Bureau will officially launch a new tourism blog today called “All Access – Inside Information on Hendricks County.” The site provides real-time, first-person storytelling to complement the HCCVB’s mission to promote Hendricks County and all its fantastic and surprisingly affordable activities.

                “As a local for nearly 10 years and a former newspaper reporter covering this county, I was surprised by how much I didn’t know about all the fun and interesting things to do here,” said Josh Duke, communications manager for the HCCVB. “Arriving at the Hendricks County Convention and Visitors Bureau proved to be an eye-opener for me. Through this blog, we hope to open a lot more eyes as residents and visitors discover all of our hidden gems.”

                The new blog will be accessible through the Tour Hendricks County website or directly at www.tourhendrickscounty.com/blog. The blog will post fresh content at least twice weekly with plans to expand that schedule. Readers also can subscribe for free on the site to get alerts when new content is posted.

The Hendricks County Convention and Visitors Bureau also will begin looking for experienced bloggers to join our team as well as asking many of our industry partners to contribute as guest bloggers. Anyone interested in blogging for the All Access tourism site, should contact Duke at Josh@TourHendricksCounty.com or by calling (317) 718-8750.

Find us on Facebook by clicking here -->> Hendricks County Tourism/Facebook and follow us on Twitter @FastTracktoFun. For more information, visit TourHendricksCounty.com or call (317) 718-8750.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.