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.

Will Jim Nabors Sing at Indianapolis (INDY) 500 2013?

Once again Indiana's adopted son Jim Nabors will return to sing in person, "Back Home Again in Indiana," for the 97th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 26. Nabors was unable to visit his second favorite home due to illness last year, so he performed via video screens at Indianapolis Motor Speedway at the 2012 pre-race traditional festivities.

The Hoosier state's unofficial song being sung by Nabors has become a tradition for race fans and local residents alike. Nabors rendition became an instant favorite at the "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" since he performed it for the first time in 1972.

Nabors, known both for his singing career and his beloved character Gomer Pyle on television's "Andy Griffith Show," and, later, "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.," has performed the popular song - with thousands of race fans singing along in the grandstands - 33 times in person at IMS since 1972.

"I'm looking forward to coming home," Nabors said.

In case you need a reminder, here are the lyrics to “Back Home Again in Indiana.”

I have always been a wand'rer 

Over land and sea 

Yet a moonbeam on the water 

Casts a spell o'er me 

A vision fair I see 

Again I seem to be

Back home again in Indiana 

And it seems that I can see

The gleaming candlelight still shining (burning) bright 

Thro' the sycamores for me

The new mown hay sends all its fragrance 

From fields I used to roam

When I dream 

About the moonlight on the Wabash 

Then I long for my Indiana home

Fancy paints on mem'ry's canvas 

Scenes that we hold dear 

We recall them in days after 

Clearly they appear 

And often times I see 

A scene that's dear to me

Back home again in Indiana 

And it seems that I can see

The gleaming candlelight still shining (burning) bright 

Thro' the sycamores for me

The new mown hay sends all its fragrance 

From fields I used to roam

When I dream 

About the moonlight on the Wabash 

Then I long for my Indiana home

Indiana native Jon McLaughlin will sing "God Bless America," during pre-race ceremonies. Actress and entertainer Florence Henderson is unable to attend the race this year to perform the song due to illness.

Pop-rock singer-songwriter McLaughlin, a native of Anderson, Ind., has recorded four full-length albums since his self-titled debut in 2004. His latest album is "Promising Promises," was released in 2012 by Razor & Tie/Sony Records.

McLaughlin's song "So Close" was featured in the Disney film "Enchanted" and was nominated for an Academy Award in 2007 in the Best Original Song category. McLaughlin performed the song live at the 80th Academy Awards in February 2008.

"This is such an incredible honor for me to be a part of the '500' this year," McLaughlin said. "I'm excited to carry on such a great tradition and just hope I can do the moment justice!"

2013 Indianapolis 500 tickets: Tickets are on sale for the 97th Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on Sunday, May 26 at IMS. Race Day ticket prices start at just $30. Fans can buy tickets online at www.ims.com/tickets, by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or by visiting the ticket office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday.

Children 12 and under will receive free general admission to any IMS event in 2013 when accompanied by an adult general admission ticket holder.

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, an in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.