64.6 Downtown works to unify 2022 Downtown Christmas festivities. “Retailers are busy preparing for the holiday shopping season with ordering, promotion, while running their daily operations. It seemed fitting to pull established entities together who love downtown and desire it to be a hub of enjoyment for all. We want to support our downtown businesses by facilitating activities that yield increased sales volume,” states Talicia Richardson, Executive Director of 64.6 Downtown.
With a team comprised of The City of Fort Smith Parks & Recreation, Keep Fort Smith Beautiful, Community Rescue Mission, as well as the Bonneville House, Clayton House, and Fort Smith Museum of History the group decided to have Cisterna Park serve as the center of festivities.
The 2022 Downtown Christmas planning team realized the importance of joining the current efforts of the Parks & Recreation Department to enhance the citizen experience. With the generosity of Keep Fort Smith Beautiful, a 22×11 foot Magnolia tree was planted at Cisterna Park and will serve as the official Christmas Tree for the lighting ceremony. In addition, the Community Rescue Mission through the financial support of First National Bank of Fort Smith, ArcBest, Central Business Improvement District, Littlefield Oil, and Mercy will be hosting a synthetic ice skating rink. While the annual parade hosted by Bonneville House, Clayton House, and Fort Smith Museum of History, hopes to exceed parade participants and has an exciting new addition to the parade.
During the months of November and December various downtown retailers will be hosting open houses and special holiday activities, specifically on Small Business Saturday, November 26th.
Schedule of Festivities
• Friday, November 25th – Soft opening of Community Rescue Mission synthetic ice-skating rink, open through January 2nd. www.fortsmithiceskating.com
• Saturday, November 26th – Small Business Saturday promoting shopping local, and an evening Christmas Tree lighting of a large magnolia tree provided by Keep Fort Smith Beautiful in Cisterna Park complete with carolers and food trucks.
• Saturday, December 10th – Christmas Parade presented by Bonneville House, Clayton House, and Fort Smith Museum of History. www.facebook.com/FSChristmasParade/
