2022 DICKENS CHRISTMAS SET FOR FRIDAY, NOV. 25
IN LEBANON, THE HEART OF KENTUCKY
Special from the Lebanon Tourist & Convention Commission
The 2022 version of the annual Dickens Christmas arrives in downtown Lebanon, the Heart of Kentucky, on Friday, Nov. 25, the day after Thanksgiving.
A new feature, and a continuation of $2,000 in prize money for floats, help expand and improve the event, said Nena Olivier, executive director of the Lebanon Tourist & Convention Commission, the sponsor of Dickens Christmas.
“With the help of volunteers, participating businesses and civic groups, we’ve been able to improve this special community event each year,” said Olivier. “And this year proves no different. We’ve created a wonderful event for our community to enjoy and celebrate, and we’ve added to the reasons others should visit and enjoy the holiday spirit along with us.”
Almost all events are free and will be held in downtown Lebanon, which will be blocked to traffic for public safety.
Lebanon Police Chief Wally Brady said three blocks of downtown will be blockaded beginning at 5:30 p.m. Most of the Dickens events get underway at 6 p.m. Things will wrap up by 9 p.m.
New this year is ice skating, for adults and children. The rink will be located in the Venue 68 parking lot near downtown (212 West Main), and yes, skates are provided. “We wanted a special new something this year, and we think we have it with free ice skating,” said Olivier. Ice skating begins at 6 p.m.
Harry C. VanWhy, Jr. has returned this year, making possible the visit of Santa to Dickens Christmas. “We think our Dickens Santa is the best, and I believe everyone agrees,” said Olivier.
Also, Farmers National Bank will again make possible Santa’s Magical Garden, a huge crowd favorite, in the Farmers National Bank Annex in downtown.
Here’s a look at times, events and activities:
~The annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place in front of the old courthouse downtown at 6 p.m.
Three children will be drawn from applications submitted to play special roles at Dickens: the first name drawn will be the child that lights the tree, and two others will perform the role of Santa’s helpers, and ride on the parade float. You’ll find the form to fill out and submit below.
~Also underway at 6 p.m. will be horse-drawn carriage rides on Spalding Avenue and free rides on the City of Lebanon’s mini train.
The departure and arrival area for the train is near the Venue 68 location, and adults…please make sure children get priority for seating on the train.
There is a fee for the carriage rides, and the departure zone is at the corner of Main and Proctor Knott.
Both end prior to 7 p.m. The train and the carriage will join the parade lineup.
~The Leadership Lebanon Dickens Christmas Craft Fair and Silent Auction has a different timeframe. It’ll be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Jessie Insurance parking lot (101 South Spalding, across from the Lebanon Post Office).
This fundraising event is fabulous, featuring a broad array of donated items and crafted items, on which you can bid. All proceeds benefit Lincoln’s Toy Box and the Kay Turpin Animal Rescue Fund.
“Like last year, we are doing a silent auction of donated items, and we are also doing a craft/vendor fair,” said Tara Tatum of Leadership Lebanon.
~The Lebanon Lions Club will be giving away free hot dogs—as long as they last—beginning at 6 p.m.
~The Marion County Chamber of Commerce Chili Cook-Off begins at 6 p.m.
If you make a great chili and would like to compete, please contact the chamber by calling (270) 692.9594, or email director@marioncountykychamber.com. The entry deadline is Nov. 18.
~The 2022 Dickens Parade will begin at 7 p.m. and yes, you can expect a good one.
Impartial judges will award $2,000 in prize money to floats in the parade: $1,000 to first place; $500 to second place; $300 to third place; and $200 to fourth place.
You’ll find a parade entry form with all the details below.
Santa arrives in the parade, and afterward he’ll move to his Magical Garden in the Farmers National Bank Annex, where children can visit with Santa.
Add to all this the downtown Christmas lights, many business open for the festive occasion, strolling carolers—and you have the promise of a grand 2022 Dickens Christmas in Lebanon, the Heart of Kentucky.
See ya’ there!
PARKING: Although downtown Lebanon will be blocked off for the festivities, plenty of convenient parking remains. Chief Brady said Martin Luther King that runs horizontal to and north of Main remains open to through traffic, as well as all the parking available on Martin Luther King.
Mulberry Street, horizontal to and south of Main, will also remain open to through traffic. Parking is available at the Lebanon City Hall parking lot, and at the parking lot beside the Lebanon Water Works Company (nearest to the ice skating at Venue 68). There’s also a huge parking zone near the Mulberry and Proctor Knott corner.
VISIT LEBANON! To discover all the ways you can dine, shop, stay and tour bourbon attractions in Lebanon, the Heart of Kentucky, go to www.visitlebanonky.com. And that website’s events calendar (https://visitlebanonky.com/events-calendar/) is a great way to keep up with all the happenings.
For a parade entry form click Parade entry form 2022
For a Santa’s Helper form click Santa’s team member signup form 2022
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