Starry November Night is an evening for the city of Hammond to enjoy what their local merchants have to offer while spending time under the stars with their family.
On Friday, Nov. 16 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Hammond Downtown Development District (DDD) will feature Santa, who will be there for the children to visit, live music by the U.S Navy Band in front of La Carreta and a wine tasting for adults. Many other family friendly activities will also be offered.
According to DDD Executive Director Terry Lynn Smith, there will also be carriage rides for people to enjoy the scenery.
“Back by popular demand this year is the horse and carriage rides,” said Smith. “South Cate and South Cypress Street will be completely closed between East Thomas Street to East Morris Street, this way we can have the carriage rides safely.”
Smith said any car parked on the four streets mentioned above will be towed, no exception.
The carriage rides cost $5 for adults and children under 12 can ride for free. The Hammond Regional Arts center will have local artists display art available for purchase. At the Columbia Theatre, the local theatre group “The Octavians” will put on a performance of “The Princess and the Pea.”
Santa and his helpers will be in the post office parking lot for children to interact in a safe setting with their family. There will be snow to create a mini winter wonderland.
“I give thanks to the student population that has volunteered to help us with Santa. It’s wonderful how the young people on the campus are always willing to help the community,” said Smith. “We’re always looking for more helpers too.”
The event also marks the start of holiday shopping season for the local merchants.
“We want to invite all people in the community to come down, visit and shop. There are lots and lots of places to shop for all different kinds of things for the holidays. There is also plenty of opportunity downtown,” Smith said. “People can come down and look at what buildings we have to offer their future businesses. So this is also a night to show off our available real estate as well, and I think that’s a positive.”
The main focus of the event is the families, pedestrians and their safety throughout the night.
“We practice safety downtown completely,” said Smith. “The city of Hammond has been certified as a safe city, so we want it to stay that way. We want everyone to enjoy themselves and have a good time.”
For more information about volunteering at Starry November Night, or what merchants will be featured, visit their website dddhammond.com, or call 277-5680 extension 2.