In the Fall of 2015 it was brought to the attention of the Board of the JCBA, through the good nature of a local charity, Isaac's Ray of Hope, that there was a young lady in Jersey County who really enjoyed the sights and sounds of The Polar Express. The request from Ms. Drainer, Tess's Mother, was to see if there was a way to show the film in a public way and make it a fantastical experience for all who participated. This was made possible through a partnership with the Stadium Theatre. Separately Staff of JCBA wanted to also give back to the community and the festival was born.
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The board then took the helm, with the direction and guidance of some of the JCBA staff and volunteers the Downtown Country Christmas was established. A Free Family Event devoted to the children and families of the community to come out and see what we had to offer as a business community. That first year was a total success boasting free photos with Santa to all who could make it through the line, local cuisine from many of the local restaurants, free kids games sponsored by the Jerseyville Public Library, a bake sale supported by many of the generous business members of the JCBA, a free matinee showing of The Polar Express at the Stadium Theater open to the public, a living Nativity By Bethel Baptist Church, and Live Entertainment. Our community had found a new tradition to look forward to during the holiday season. There was only one thing left to be done... make it grow! |
The Kringle Award
-honoring an individual and or organization that by example have exemplified the spirit of giving and leadership to further the awareness of their cause, using their experiences and passion for the betterment of the community, here at home and abroad-
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After countless hours and planning by a committee of 14 the 2nd Annual Downtown Country Christmas came into reality. It kept most of the fantastic aspects from the year before and simply grew into a full street festival. The City of Jerseyville Christmas Tree was relocated to the festival grounds, allowing for a Community Tree lighting. Santa Arrived in style on a Helicopter thanks to the assistance of Survival Flight and the Jerseyville Fire Department. Vendors lined the middle of Washington St. showcasing all there was to offer in Jersey County from big business to Mom and Pop, as well as handing out something free to any child or family that came by. The establishment of "The Kringle" award, was a welcome addition to the festivities giving recognition to a wonderful young man who made it his life mission to make a difference in the fight against childhood cancer. Our first recipient was his mother Kimberly Wade and the Kid's Shouldn't have Cancer Foundation - In Memory of Johnny Wade. Chosen by members of the DCC Committee she and future recipients will decide on the next recipient, choosing from people nominated by the residents of Jersey County. 27,000 Lights brought the Downtown area to life with interactive displays and plenty of opportunity for a family photo.
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The Downtown Country Christmas Festival is a community celebration welcoming our neighbors from near and far to join us in the sights and sounds of the Holidays in Historic Jerseyville, Jersey County, Illinois. Planning for the 2017 Festival began in February. The Festival was about to take a direction that we the Board and Volunteers are very proud of. On March 31st, 2017 the Downtown Country Christmas Festival, Inc. received its Articles of Incorporation and officially applied and were awarded their standing of a 501 c(3) Non-profit later that summer. This was a huge year for the festival for growth.
Planning continued over the course of the next nine months. Some of the highlights would be permission received by the State of Illinois to Close Hwy 67 for the festival. Addition of 4 more planters by the City of Jerseyville bringing our planter tree campaign with the businesses up to 12 possible trees for the Downtown Area. We also added a 6000 sq ft Exhibition tent to hold up to 43 vendors from across the region. This was in addition to a partnership with JCCYM a local youth group having a craft show in neighboring Holy Ghost School, the two combined brought over 100 vendors and crafters to Jerseyville for the perfect shopping weekend. 2 Stages for plenty of entertainment options and thanks to the Tri-county Antique Club we were able to bring back the hay rides that had to be canceled the year before.
The Festival began bright and early on the 25th at 8:30am. Families were encouraged to skip the dishes and give the kids a morning to remember with Breakfast with Santa at the Knights of Columbus Hall. At noon, the Jerseyville Stadium Theater had a FREE showing of The Polar Express for the Kids. At 2:00pm Santa arrived by helicopter, and the Festival began. State Street and the surrounding roads were closed, and music began on two separate stages at opposite ends of the Festival. Tours began at the Cheney Mansion, accessible from the festival grounds by a free shuttle to the Cheney Mansion and additional parking at the high school. And the magic really begins for our most special Festival visitors – the kids! Elf School Classes was in full swing, Ms. Claus’s Bake Shop began selling cookies, and the North Pole Post Office opened to the public. At 2.15pm Elf’s Boulevard opened with over 18 different FREE kids games and activities. You could get your photo taken with Santa or take a holiday hay ride. The 35ft Christmas Tree was lit at 5:00pm, and the winners of the Light up your Business Award (Sweet Life Salon and Spa) and the Kringle Award (Janice Arnold - Angel Ministries) were announced. Rudolph’s Red Nose Parade began at 7:40 with 12 entries from the local business community to a very impressive crowd. The day was a success and now on to 2018. |
The Festival grew into the most successful year to date. Planning began in February and we flew into full swing. Our intentions for the festival to become a full street fair were realized. Hwy 67, otherwise known as state street in downtown, was closed to traffic at noon the day of the festival. The hayride for the families had its path through the grounds. Along the path riders enjoyed the local fare that each of the restaurants provided. Inflatables scattered down the North bound lane of state through the festival all sponsored by local businesses. Elf boulevard located at the north end of the grounds boasted Free photos with Santa, carnival games for all ages, and other activities for the little ones. Behind the City Christmas tree was the North Entertainment Tent where bands and the local children’s choirs performed. Covering the large parking lot on exchange street was a 6000 sq. ft tent filled with Exhibitioners. JCBA turned into the North Pole Post Office, H&R Block was transformed into Mrs. Claus Bake Shoppe complete with an old-fashioned candy by the pound bar and everyone was kept warm by the Hospitals warming Station. The day was brought to a conclusion by Rudolph’s Red Nose Parade. Thanks for the memories! |
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5 years! We made it! Though the rain was intense we pushed through to yet another wonderful year! The streets were filled with the sounds of the holidays once again! We used your donations to close Hwy 67/ State St. for visitors to walk around and enjoy all the restaurants and shops located in Downtown Jerseyville. Restaurants were filled to the brim with holiday guests for the day. There were so many options for the adults to enjoy. At the South Stage live music filled the air, picnic tables were filled with whole families who visited “Smores for a Cure” and roasted them over one of 5 open fires. Inflatable games covered the north bound lanes and parking spots of State St., while The Tri-county Antique Club pulled hundreds of people on the Holiday Hayrides. Elf boulevard was an assortment of activities for the family. From holiday hole in one to Candy Cane Fishing there was something for everyone to do. The line for Santa was long, but his elves kept it moving quickly so all could have their free photo with Santa. Each person who visited Santa had to exit through Mrs. Clause Bake Shoppe. It was filled with goodies from the kitchens of the north pole, the Bake Shoppe really put its best foot forward this year with all the holiday feels. Head back out on the street every child needed to visit the North Pole Post Office to write their letter, as well as hear a tail from the Here’s to Reading crew. Families found shelter during the rain under the 6000-foot Exhibition Tent filled with vendors showing their best. All shoppers were serenaded by the Music programs of the school district singing away their holiday blues making room for peace and joy. To sum up the day Rudolph’s Red Nose Parade was a moving light show like we have never seen before. 10 participants took home various spirit awards. Of course, none of this would be possible without the gaggle of volunteers from all walks of life that drive this engine. Even with the weather we are estimating that 3500 people descended on the downtown area and any given time to enjoy the start of the holidays in Jerseyville. Happy Holidays!
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November 28th, 2020
As many businesses and individuals dealt with the pandemic we devised a new way to celebrate the holidays in Jerseyville. On the day of the "Festival" we made sure that Santa had a place to see the kids. It was important to have a low contact option to keep people safe. A custom snow globe was purchased and a number of kids were able to still visit santa. Bright Nights Celebration was born. Family Fun From the Comfort of Your Car. At 4 locations all over town DCCF, Inc. installed over 50,000 lights for the enjoyment of the public. Rotary Park, Jersey County Courthouse, Dolan Park, and Downtown all shined with the spirit of the holidays. DCCF, Inc. designed and built 14 Christmas windows to decorate downtown. Those with the other 9 done by individual businesses we had a wonderful display of nostalgia. Lasting from Thanksgiving to Christmas visitors were delighted by the sights and sounds of the holidays. Our Kringle Winner was Beth McGlasson of the Jersey County Historical Society, the Jacobs Family were the Winners of the Light up your Home Competition, and Century 21 won the Light up your Business Competition. |
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