Recognizing and Celebrating our Community's Veterans 🎖️
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Veterans Parade
Sunday, November 6, 2022, 2 - 3 PM
This Sunday, we are delighted to be bringing back an in-person celebration of those, past and present, who have made our nation’s freedom possible with the return of the Veterans Parade. Join us down Main Street for floats, marching bands, and processions and on social media for special Facebook Live videos throughout the event.
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Introducing Veterans Parade Grand Marshall - Ben Ridder!
Ben Ridder, from Dayton American Legion Post 27, has been instrumental in the restoration of the Lady Liberty statue, a WWI memorial located at the South end of Downtown. Upon the completion of the restoration, Ben also coordinated the rededication ceremony for the statue this past July.
Learn more about this project on last year's Veterans Day blog feature here.
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It's Time to Back the 'Burg!
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As we launch our Back the 'Burg end-of-year giving campaign this week, we want to share our gratitude for everyone coming together this year and making Downtown Harrisonburg a vibrant place, built on love for our community. Your unwavering support of downtown and enthusiasm for the return of our full calendar of events has blown us away.
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Together we are Downtown Harrisonburg
Watch the 2022 Back the 'Burg end-of-year giving campaign video on our YouTube channel.
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Your annual end-of-year gift will sustain the momentum we created in 2022 and create a beautiful, vibrant future for Downtown Harrisonburg. Friends of Downtown are making an investment in our community and helping Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance support small businesses and create a special place where neighbors can come together and enjoy our downtown.
Your words of encouragement. Your fierce commitment to buying local. Your donations to HDR. Everything makes a difference. Thank you!
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Coming Soon: Handmade Holidays
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Handmade Holidays are back! Make holiday decorations, gifts, and more at a variety of businesses throughout the months of November and December thanks to these workshops organized by our downtown retailers.
Here's a sample of what you can expect to see this year:
- Creative Reuse Day (Wednesday, Nov. 30 from 10am – 6pm): Rocktown Yarn and Great.full Goods will have tables FULL of crafting supplies that would have otherwise ended up in the landfill. Use their examples for inspiration or come up with your own ideas. They'll have yarn, jewelry-making supplies, DIY supplies, and lots of computer wiring for upcycling that will work great for bracelets, necklaces, and more! Feel free to donate things you don’t use anymore too!
- Fix-a-Bear (Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10am – 2pm): Make an appointment with the Docs to have your stuffie/lovie/bear mended and fluffed before the Holiday! Led by Dr. Jerri Alexiou (Harrisonburg Dermatology) and Dr. Maureen Ward (Harrisonburg Animal Hospital) at Charlee Rose Boutique. The event is FREE but attendees can make a donation to Cats Cradle. Make your appointments ahead of time via Eventbrite.
- Stained Glass Angels (Saturday, Dec. 17 from 12 – 3pm): Design and make your own stained glass angel at this workshop led by Barbara Camph at OASIS Fine Art & Craft.
- Creating Keepsakes (Friday, Dec. 16 from 10am – 12pm): Explore More would like to invite preschoolers and their caregivers to drop-in on December 16, anytime between 10am -12pm, to create a variety of Christmas tree ornaments that will don your family’s tree for years to come!
See the growing workshop schedule on our website. Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Harrisonburg!
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Downtown Events Coming Soon!
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Resolute Weekend
November 11 - 13, 2022
Centered around Brothers Craft Brewing's award-winning and nationally known Bourbon Barrel-Aged Russian Imperial Stout, this event brings in craft beer enthusiasts from across the mid-Atlantic. Join the festivities November 11-13. There will be something for beer lovers and non-beer drinkers alike!
Set a Facebook Reminder >>
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Winter Wonderfest
Saturday, December 3, 2022
Bring in the holiday season downtown with Winter Wonderfest! Sip & Stroll and shop while taking part in family-friendly activities. Vote for your favorite creations in our Second Annual Gingerbread House Build-off, tour downtown in a horse-drawn carriage, visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus, and much more. The day will begin with The Arc of HR's annual Santa Run, Walk, 'N Roll and will be capped off with the City of Harrisonburg’s annual Holiday Parade and tree lighting.
Set a Facebook Reminder >>
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Are you interested in sponsoring or becoming a vendor at one of our
upcoming community festivals?
Download our Sponsorship Packet to see available sponsorship opportunities for your business and find our Vendor Applications here!
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Thank You for Being a Friend!
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Our downtown community is made up of a supportive network of people and businesses, and to recognize those that help HDR build a more vibrant downtown, we present this segment featuring our Friends of Downtown donors, sponsors, and volunteers.
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Gary Stiteler and Andy Perrine
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This past week, we celebrated the immense contributions made by two of our founding HDR board members - Gary Stiteler of Glen's Fair Price Store and Andy Perrine of James Madison University at our HDR Board Happy Hour.
We are so grateful for the long-term leadership of these dedicated board members, who have been instrumental not only in the formation of HDR but also in the on-going leadership of our organization. As Gary has resigned from the board and Andy stepped down as long-term president, we gathered to recognize their contributions to HDR and the transformation of Downtown Harrisonburg. We enjoyed hearing stories from their years of service to Downtown Harrisonburg and celebrating the difference they have made in our community. Thank you Andy and Gary for being a such an important part of HDR! |
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Next time you are at Clementine, keep an eye out for this special plaque on one of the stools at the bar. With Andy Perrine being a loyal customer of this watering hole since it's opening, we couldn't think of a better way to recognize his years of service to Downtown Harrisonburg!
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HDR Board Applications are Open until November 15!
We are recruiting up to three positions on HDR’s Board of Directors to begin a three-year term in January 2023. Do you love Downtown and have the time to give to make it stronger? Would you like to be in a position of leadership with our organization? Please tell us about yourself by submitting your statement of interest by November 15.
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Did you know that when you shop locally, 68% gets returned to Harrisonburg's economy to support community initiatives? In this Downtown Insider Feature, learn about a fun product you can purchase from one of our downtown retailers!
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Antique Platinum Sapphire and Diamond Rings at James McHone Jewelry
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With 36 years of experience, James Mchone Jewelry is the Shenandoah Valley’s premier destination for fine estate and antique jewelry, as well as diamond engagement rings. Located right on Court Square, this jeweler has a large selection of different styles of gems and metals to choose from, including this gorgeous trio of rings featured in our upcoming Holiday Gift Guide.
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James McHone Jewelry has been a long-time supporter of HDR. You'll see a testimonial from them in our Back the 'Burg end-of-year giving campaign soon!
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Did you have an amazing meal downtown that you want EVERYONE to know about? Tag us in your food pictures @downtownharrisonburg and you may be featured in an upcoming Downtown Dish feature!
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Mangonadas at El Paisano Bakery
El Paisano Bakery recently celebrated its 4th anniversary in the Friendly City! Conveniently located next to Kline’s Dairy Bar and Lolita’s Delights Mexican Food Truck, El Paisano is known for an impressive variety of custom cakes, traditional Mexican desserts, pastries, and seasonal snacks.
While we may be in the thick of all things peppermint and pumpkin spice, this week we are celebrating the variety of authentic seasonal flavors available downtown by throwing it back to a summertime favorite. Mangonadas are made of fresh mango sorbet, chamoy, and chili powder…the perfect, refreshing treat for all the bold flavor-seekers.
Consider spicing things up and making El Paisano part of this year’s Thanksgiving dessert spread. Follow El Paisano to keep up with weekly specials and menu items this Holiday season! We are also giving
$50 El Paisano gift certificates to two lucky Back the 'Burg donors!
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Help bring an independent bookstore to Harrisonburg! Renovations are coming along nicely on the corner of Gay and Liberty Streets. Coming this Spring 2023, Parentheses Books will be located right across from Magpie Diner. The store will be part of the new Liberty Street Mercantile, which plans to include a flower shop, a wine bar, retail shops and more. Learn more and find out how you can support Parentheses on their Kickstarter page.
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- Announcements
- Downtown Events
- It’s FIRST FRIDAY, Harrisonburg! DON’T MISS an exciting opening reception on Friday, November 4 from 5 - 7 PM at OASIS Fine Art & Craft. for the Mezzanine Gallery-"Music in Every Home, Part II: Drums!” happening now through November 20. Using donated drums from Yamaha, artists have created art pieces, tables, lamps, and a wine rack, which are being sold to raise money for the Harrisonburg Music Teachers Association. Friday’s reception will feature live music by Countryside Garage Band and a sculptural demonstration by Bill Nelson. Check out all November First Friday venues here.
- The Apple Harvest Festival at Sage Bird Ciderworks is back and better than ever on Saturday, November 5. Enjoy all things apple and press your own fruit in a vintage press. Plus, scope out the Makers Market from 11 AM - 5 PM.
- Asbury Day for Kids is this Monday, November 7 from 8 AM- 4 PM at Asbury United Methodist Church! Kids (grades K-5th) are invited for a day of FREE Thanksgiving fun learning about the Pilgrims, the Mayflower, and the Wampanoag Native People. Registration for this event closed on November 1, but you can learn more on the Facebook page or by contacting Asbury UMC Staff.
- November is National Novel Writing Month! Join Massanutten Regional Library for some fun FREE opportunities to hone your writing skills for two drop-in NaNoWriMo Write-In events at Central Library on Tuesday, November 8 at 6 PM and Saturday, November 19 at 1 PM.
- Explore More's Night at the Museum fundraiser is back in person. The gala is Friday, November 11 at 7 PM. Learn more and register here.
- The 2022 Virginia Quilt Museum benefit auction is now live. Bid on 24 colorful quilts made by Pat Sloan through November 9 here.
- Join SCCF and other local entrepreneurs on November 16 at 5 PM at Pale Fire Brewing. Grab a drink and connect with fellow entrepreneurs, creatives, developers, marketers, and other movers and shakers in your region!
- Get ready for the winter holiday with a Poinsettia Table Decoration Virtual Class hosted by the Virginia Quilt Museum on Saturday, November 12 from 1 - 4 PM. Learn more and register here.
- The Night of Illusion Disney Themed Drag Show is happening Saturday, November 19 at Court Square Theater. All are welcome to this family-friendly event featuring performances by eight different queens! Doors open at 8 PM and the show starts at 8:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased for $10 in advance or $15 at the door.
- Our downtown community is invited to attend Thomas Knight's Celebration of Life at Clementine on Sunday, November 20 from 5 - 7 PM. Appetizers will be provided with a cash bar. Share your favorite "Tom" moment among friends and neighbors.
- First Presbyterian Church on Court Square will be staging a live nativity scene during Winter Wonderfest and immediately before the downtown holiday parade. The live display will be held from 5-6:30 PM on Dec. 3 in First Pres' Court Square parking lot.
- Save this date in your 2023 calendars - Winter Wine Weekend at Hotel Madison is February 23 - 26.
- Sales & Promotions
- It’s Customer Appreciation Weekend at Shirley’s Popcorn! Join Shirley’s online and in-store at 102 S. Main St this Saturday, November 4 and Saturday, November 5 to get your FREE copy of the 2023 Shirley’s Calendar and to earn 2x rewards points on all purchases.
- The Friendly City Food Co-op is giving $5 off when you preorder a turkey for Thanksgiving. Fill out this form to schedule a pick-up.
- Get those smiles ready for this season's holiday cards! Gitchell's Photography is offering mini photo sessions starting November 25. Book soon as slots fill up quickly!
- Now Hiring
- withSimplicity is looking for a Productions & Inventory Manager. Learn more and apply here.
- Our Community Place has several ongoing volunteer opportunities including Educational & Skills Training, Movers, Drivers, and Application Assistance. See all current needs here.
- Looking for a restaurant job? Many downtown locations are still hiring servers, cooks, and prep staff. Check out a list of restaurants on our downtown directory, for social media and website listings to guide your search.
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2022-23 Downtown Harrisonburg Annual Event Lineup:
- Veterans Parade – Sunday, November 6, 2022 from 2 - 3 PM
- Winter Wonderfest featuring the holiday parade and Cookie Tour – Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 12 - 6 PM
- Taste of Downtown Restaurant Month – March 2023
- Rocktown Beer & Music Festival – Saturday, April 22, 2023
- Downtown Dinner Party – Saturday, May 20, 2023
- Best.Weekend.Ever. – Saturday, June 17, 2023
Do you have an event or promotion happening in downtown Harrisonburg that you want to be featured in the next newsletter? Add your event to our Downtown Calendar through this online form! You can find detailed instructions here.
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