Portageville Chamber of Commerce presents “Christmas in the ‘Ville”

The Portageville Chamber of Commerce elves have been working hard to put on what is sure to be a festive line-up throughout the coming months. The season will get under way with the Annual Christmas Open House November 9th-11th.

On Friday, November 9th, the town is invited to the Community Center lawn at 6:30 pm for Rudolph’s Reel, an event featuring a movie on the big screen. “A Frozen Christmas” will be the film this year; concessions will also be available from the Chamber of Commerce, so come hungry. The movie will be held inside the Community Center if raining.

The fun will continue Saturday, November 10th as Santa makes his snowy flight into town! The evening will begin at the Portageville Fire Department at 5:30 pm with the lighting of the Town Christmas Tree. Everyone is invited to gather around the tree as we dedicate the 2018 Christmas Tree, light it up, and sing carols to ring in the sounds of the season. “This has become such a fun and almost magical event the past couple of years. People talk to me about the tree throughout the entire year and wait in great anticipation for the big night of its lighting,” said Dr. Clint Klipfel, Portageville Chamber of Commerce President. “This year we have all new lights and can’t wait to show them off!”

The festivities will then move to Main Street as guests are invited to Shop on Main at local merchants from 6-8:30 pm; there is sure to be plenty of Christmas decorations, sweet treats and unique gifts for everyone on your list!

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available at the Main Stage on Main Street from 6:00-7:30pm for pictures. Kids 0-12 are invited! And don't forget to bring a letter to Santa that he can take back to the North Pole! Be sure to include the child's full name and address so that a return letter may be mailed from Santa! The Holiday Open House will have its final day on Sunday, November 11th with Shopping on Main again from 1:00-4:00pm. Horse-drawn carriage rides will once again be available all afternoon! "We loved the horses last year and they seemed to love us, too. We are thrilled to welcome Earth’s End Drafts back to town," said Klipfel. Children ride free; adults ride for $5.00. 

Both Saturday and Sunday, there will be a "Selfie with an Elfie" photo opportunity at the Main Stage as well as a 50/50 drawing. Local businesses will be donating items that will be given away both Saturday and Sunday from the Main Stage. For every $10.00 spent at a local merchant, consumers will be entered in the drawing. The holiday fun will only have just begun at the conclusion of the annual Open House.

The Chamber welcomes you back to Main Street on December 7th for the first ever Christmas Parade and second Annual Cocoa Crawl. The parade will begin at 6:00pm with the Cocoa Crawl immediately following until 8:30pm. “I am personally super excited about the addition of the Christmas Parade this year. This is something I have wanted Portageville to have for years, and I am thrilled that the Chamber has decided to start this new tradition,” he continued.

The parade will feature three judged categories—walkers, wheels and floats—each with cash prizes for 1st,2nd, and 3rd. Additionally, local businesses, churches, organizations, private parties, and bands are invited to join the fun, too. Entry forms are available on the Chamber’s Facebook page and at Health Connection Chiropractic, Portageville Parts, and ‘Tis the Season. The Chamber looks forward to many, many entries to make the first parade a success.

Following the parade, guests will be invited to visit local businesses to shop and sip hot cocoa from each establishment. Each individual gets to cast a vote on who has the best cocoa and the People’s Choice Award will go to the business with the most votes.

Health Connection Chiropractic will also be hosting free cookie decorating in their office during the evening. “This is a great night to enjoy the season with friends as you walk along Main Street. It is also a terrific opportunity to shop local and support our local merchants who work to keep Portageville a lively and welcoming environment to residents and guests alike,” states Klipfel.

River Road Tees has partnered with the Chamber for the official 2018 Christmas shirts. A portion of each shirt sold will go back to the Chamber. If you would like information about sponsoring any of the holiday events to help with costs, please contact Dr. Clint or any Chamber member. The Chamber of Commerce looks forward to celebrating “Christmas in the ‘Ville” with you!