THE HOLIDAYS IN HISTORIC FREDERICK

CELEBRATE FREDERICK INVITES YOU TO SPEND THE HOLIDAYS IN HISTORIC FREDERICK


From an old-fashioned parade through the holiday lit streets of downtown Frederick to a charming tour of historic homes decked in festive décor, Celebrate Frederick presents six events sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Designed to appeal to all ages, these events capture the charm and ambience of downtown Frederick during the Holiday season. Please note date changes for the annual Scents & Sweets Competition, Festival of Lights, and the Kris Kringle Procession; as well as a location change for Scents & Sweets. Following is a listing of the 2010 Holidays in Historic Frederick events:

Holiday Art Competition & Exhibit; Wednesday, December 1ST; Delaplaine Visual Arts Center; 5:30p.m.

Take in a delightful exhibit of original holiday artwork created by local artists at the 2010 Holiday Art Competition. From the exhibit submissions, judges will select the winning work of art to be featured for the 2011 “The Holidays in Historic Downtown Frederick” event campaign. In addition to their work being featured in all forms of media, the winning artist will receive a $1,000 cash prize. This event is free to the public.

Scents & Sweets Competition & Exhibit; NEW DATE: Thursday, December 2ND; NEW LOCATION: Cultural Arts Center, 15 W. Patrick Street; 5:30 p.m.

Mark your calendars now, the 2010 Scents & Sweets Competition and Exhibit has moved to a new date, Thursday, December 2nd. Celebrate Frederick is partnering with the Frederick Arts Council and hosting the event at a new location, the Cultural Arts Center in downtown Frederick. Here you will find holiday scenes that you won’t believe are made out of gingerbread, and incredible combinations of fragrant flowers that you’ll want for your dining room table! Bakers and florists, both amateur and professional, create magnificent gingerbread houses and floral centerpieces along a holiday theme. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges and by popular vote for cash prizes. This event is free to the public. While at the Cultural Arts Center, enjoy the annual Festival of Greens event brought to you by the Frederick Arts Council.

Festival of Lights; NEW DATE: Friday, December 3RD; 7:00 p.m.; City Hall Courtyard in Downtown Frederick

Don't miss one of the holiday season's most inspiring events. The Festival of Lights event has moved to a new date, Friday, December 3rd, and will be held annually on this new day! Each year this event brings the true spirit of the season to young and old alike. This year we are planning a program full of holiday goodwill and song to fill the square at the City Hall courtyard in downtown Frederick. This event begins at 6:30 p.m. with caroling groups downtown and congregates on the steps of City Hall (7 p.m.) and leads into an inspirational holiday program, which includes additional carols, greetings from local dignitaries, and an inspirational message. The highlight of the evening comes at the program's end, when the lights outside City Hall are dimmed, and candles are passed from neighbor to neighbor, filling the courtyard with light, as the audience sings "Silent Night". This event truly captures the meaning of the holiday season. This event is free to the public.

The Candlelight House Tour; Saturday, December 4TH, 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.; Sunday, December 5TH, Noon- 4:00 p.m.; Baker Park Area

The 2010 Candlelight House Tour highlights the charm of yesteryear with homes decorated in their finest holiday décor! Enjoy tours of the outside and inside of seven spectacular homes glowing with charm and holiday cheer. Luminaries will light your path and holiday sounds will fill the air as you stroll through Frederick as a part of this annual, self-guided tour. The Culler Lake Boat House serves as the Hospitality Center and unique tour stop. Tickets are $20 and will be available online beginning Friday, November 5th. Tickets will also become available in mid November at several locations in downtown Frederick including the Tourism Council.

Kris Kringle Procession; NEW DATE: Friday, December 10TH; Downtown Frederick and Baker Park; 6:30 p.m.

Celebrate Old World Holiday magic with this unique parade on a new day, Friday, December 10th as it winds through the beautifully illuminated streets of downtown Frederick. The procession features dance troupes, carolers, characters representing Frederick’s German/English heritage, as well as classic favorites such as Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman and of course, Kris Kringle, truly mirroring the small town charm that makes Frederick so special during the Holidays! The parade route goes from East Street to East Patrick Street, turns onto N. Market Street, and then turns onto West Second Street, ending at the Baker Park Band Shell for an inspirational closing ceremony with music, entertainment and a variety of holiday cheer!


Children’s Weekend; Saturday, December 11TH & Sunday, December 12TH; Downtown Frederick

Fun for children of all ages, this year's Children's Weekend will be held Saturday, December 11 and Sunday, December 12. The joy of the holidays is embodied in the children who partake in a weekend full of activities just for them! From ornament painting and storytelling, to belsnickeling, and breakfast with Santa, there are a variety of activities hosted by Frederick City businesses that work together to create this magical weekend. A full schedule of activities to be announced soon on the CelebrateFrederick.com website!

These events would not be possible without the generous support of our corporate sponsors. The 2010 Spires Sponsors are Bechtel Group Foundation and Spectrum Federal Credit Union. The 2010 Carillon Sponsors are Comcast, Sandy Spring Bank, Weis Markets, 99.9 WFRE, and 930 WFMD. The 2010 Bandshell Sponsors are BB&T, COMSTAR Federal Credit Union, The Frederick News Post, The Plamondon Companies, and WHAG; and our 2010 Program Sponsor, Clym Recycling. A special thanks to these sponsors for their generosity and community awareness.

For more information on the Holiday’s in Historic Frederick events, please call 301-600-2841 or visit www.CelebrateFrederick.com