The annual Downtown Holiday will officially kick off Christmas shopping in Downtown Durant with the opening of “Skating on the Square” on Saturday, Dec. 6. The outdoor ice skating rink is new this year, and the day will begin with a special ceremony at 10 a.m. to celebrate. Dignitaries will be on hand to cut the ribbon prior to the rink opening to the public.

The ceremony will be followed by a day of entertainment and activities for the kids. Santa will be making an appearance on Market Square and will be available for pictures with the kids for only $5. Lone Star Ranch will have their llamas on hand posing as camels in a live nativity scene. A climbing wall and other activities are planned.

The Bennington Post Office will be available with a special postmark from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Postage will be sold, giving Christmas cards a unique distinction by having them ready to mail early. Special postcards will be available from Durant Main Street at the rink, and they can be cancelled with this one-time only stamp.

Everyone is encouraged to join the fun on this historic occasion. The rink will be open for skaters until 10 p.m. The cost is only $7 per person, and this includes skate rental. Throughout the day, businesses will feature the sights, sounds, and smells of the season. Restaurants, tea rooms, and a coffee bar will provide a chance to rest and refuel. The Three Valley Museum will be open 1-4 p.m. Entertainment for citizens and tourists of all ages will continue during the day.

The 10 a.m. ceremony will feature Kayla Rummell and Southeastern’s Chorvettes StageWorks Company. They will be followed by First Baptist Church at 11 a.m. with their Senior Adult Choir, Living Christmas Tree Choir, and Children’s Choir. Madi Bell will perform at 11:45. She will be followed by the Head to Toe Dance Studio at noon. At 12:45, Brooke Rogers will sing.

The WEIRD for Christ Puppet Ministry will go on stage at 1. Zoe Cardenas will sing at 1:30, and Jadyn Ridling is scheduled for 1:45. The Abundant Life Temple Bell Choir will take the stage at 2 and will be followed at 2:30 by students from The Umbrella. At 2:45, Audrey Altnether will sing. She will be followed by the Colbert High School and Junior High School choirs at 3. Students from Southeastern’s American Chemical Society will present The Magic of Science at 3:45. At 4 p.m., the Stompers will showcase their clogging talents.

With the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season upon us, imagine what it would be like to have all presents purchased, wrapped, and ready to go under the tree. Just think how relaxing and enjoying the parties, programs celebrating the holiday and being with family. The businesses in Downtown Durant are ready to help you do just that.

Shopping options are plentiful this time of year, and Downtown Durant offers a hometown shopping experience with outstanding customer service. Most businesses will have in-store specials. Local author Laura Clark will be at Blue River Books from 1-4 to sign her first hardback book titled “Ashley’s Ruby” illustrated by Staci Tucker McCarty.

Many businesses will have an open house while Marie’s will celebrate 31 years in business. West of the Wind Designs, Margie Peppers, and Newman Furniture are hosting a live radio remote on KLBC who will also broadcast live from the skating rink. Most provide free gift wrapping and customer service that can’t be beat.

Durant Main Street and the businesses are working together to make the Christmas season enjoyable and rewarding throughout the holidays. The Hollow Tree has increased the 11th annual Shopping Spree. The giveaway drawing will be held on Thursday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m. at Market Square at 1st and Evergreen in Downtown Durant. Contestants must be present to win on the 18th, but it is not necessary for the weekly drawings.

Entries for the drawing are distributed by participating businesses with merchandise ranging from tires to jewelry, from salons to appliances, and from lumber and hardware to antiques and gifts. Each $10 purchase qualifies the buyer to receive one ticket for the shopping spree. Triple tickets will be offered on Saturday, Dec. 6, and double tickets will be given on Thursday nights from 4-8 p.m.

To find out more about the day and specific schedules, contact the Durant Main Street office at (580) 924-1550 or e-mail ddow@durantmainstreet.org. For more information on the businesses, see the virtual directory of the downtown at www.durantmainstreet.org.