The public-private partnership between the City of Pine Bluff and Go Forward Pine Bluff (GFPB) announces plans for a family-themed downtown holiday celebration this December, including a revamped Christmas parade and Christmas festival.
“Mistletoe Magic: Believe in Miracles” will begin on Thursday, December 6 with the annual Christmas parade. The parade is currently being orchestrated by both city and GFPB officials in order to ensure there is local and regional participation from bands and an influx of Christmas floats.
“New guidelines and active recruitment by the mayor’s office are working to ensure 2018 will be one of the best Christmas parades that Pine Bluff has seen in many years,” says Ryan Watley, chief executive officer of GFPB. “It is the perfect way to kick off the first annual Mistletoe Magic celebration.”
Following the parade on Main Street, the Christmas festival will be held at Saracen Landing. The festival will consist of attractions such as ice skating, holiday decorations, Christmas-themed bounce houses, photo booths, food trucks and a performance by the Jenkins Choir. These activities will take place from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.
There will also be a Christmas retail market showcasing small business offerings from Pine Bluff and Southeast Arkansas. The market and all attractions will be open on Friday, December 7, 2018 from 4:00 to 9:00 pm, Saturday, December 8, 2018 from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Sunday, December 9, 2018 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
“The holidays are a time for making memories with family,” Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington said in a news release. “We want Mistletoe Magic to be a part of those memories for years to come.”
Other entertainment attractions include a live performance by the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Jazz Band on Friday evening and A Motown Christmas performance will take place on Saturday evening by the On Call Band. Lastly, a community choir will celebrate the reason for season with a concert on Sunday.
“Mistletoe Magic: Believe in Miracles” is a presentation of the Delta Celebration Series, sponsored in part by Go Forward Pine Bluff and Pine Bluff Parks and Recreation. Community sponsors will be announced at a later date.
