MEDIA ADVISORY

Mayor: Jennifer P. Dougherty

CONTACT: Nancy Gregg Poss, Public Information Officer, 301-360-3842

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Saturday, November 1, 2003

IGNITE YOUR HOLIDAY SPIRIT IN DOWNTOWN HISTORIC FREDERICK, MARYLAND

Want to rediscover the magic of the holiday season? Head to downtown historic Frederick, Maryland. There you’ll find a series of events that will fill your heart with the true spirit of the season. Designed to appeal to all ages, the December celebrations capture the small town charm that make Frederick so special. The holiday events calendar follows:

Scents and Sweets Competition
Wednesday, December 3
Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center
5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
40 South Carroll Street
Incredible holiday themed floral centerpieces and unique gingerbread structures designed by professionals and amateurs will be on display. The audience is the judge as the winners are selected by popular vote!

Holiday Art Exhibit
Wednesday, December 3
Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center
5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
40 South Carroll Street
Come see local and regional artists’ interpretations of the holidays in Frederick. The winning entry in this prestigious competition will be used as the promotional artwork for the 2004 holiday season. You can also meet the artist of the 2003 artwork and have a poster signed.

Kris Kringle Procession
Friday, December 5
6:30 p.m. beginning at Everedy Square
This old world themed parade is an annual favorite. Don’t miss costumed children, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph, and of course, Kris Kringle in a procession through the streets of the Historic District, which are decorated with thousands of tiny white lights. The parade ends in Baker Park with a ceremony including caroling, enjoyable speeches, and the lighting of the official City tree.

Candlelight House Tour
Saturday, December 6
5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 7
Noon to 4:00 p.m.
Enjoy seven beautiful homes decorated in holiday splendor. Private residences graciously open their doors for a unique glimpse inside the houses that encompass the downtown historic district. There will be a Hospitality Center at City Hall in Frederick. For ticket information, call 301-600-CITY (2489).

Children’s Weekend
Saturday, December 13
Sunday, December 14
A weekend of holiday activities including: Breakfast with Santa, storytelling, Frederick County Society of Model Railroad Engineers holiday train display, children’s art show, and more!

“Home for the Holidays” Dance
Saturday, December 13
William Talley Recreation Center
8:00 p.m. - Midnight
Grab a group of friends, dress up in 1940’s style, and you’ll be sure to have a great time celebrating the season at one of Frederick’s most popular holiday events. Dance the night away to the sounds of Frank Guldseth and the New Columbia Swing Orchestra at the Talley Recreation Center, located at the corner of Bentz and Second Streets. Come dressed for the period and dance the night away! For tickets and table reservations call 301-228-2844.

Festival of Lights
Friday, December 19
City Hall
7:00 p.m.
The courtyard of City Hall offers the backdrop to this inspirational event. At 6:30 p.m., carolers proceed through the streets of downtown Frederick and lead residents and visitors to City Hall for caroling and a seasonal message. Upon arrival at the courtyard, each participant receives a candle. During the final carol, candles are lit, one by one, neighbor to neighbor, until the entire area is filled with beautiful light.

These events could never happen without the hard work of the volunteers of the Holiday Committee, and the following community-minded businesses: Gold Sponsors - Ausherman Homes/A Drees Homes Company, BB&T, Bechtel Foundation, COMSTAR Federal Credit Union, Farmers & Mechanics Bank and Sandy Spring Bank; Silver Sponsors - Bank One, The Frederick News Post, The Gazette, and Mount St. Mary’s College; Bronze Sponsors - Cellular One, CitiMortgage, and the Frederick Arts Council.

For more information on holiday activities in Frederick, Maryland, please call 301-600-CITY (2489) or visit the website at www.cityoffrederick.com and click on Events/Activities.