By Payton Tholstrup
Photo courtesy of Concordia Chamber of Commerce
Black Friday, now called Hometown Holiday, is a long-standing tradition in the Concordia Business Community. Held the day after Thanksgiving, this year’s event will take place on November 29th from 5:00-8:00 pm. The businesses in Concordia participate in a variety of ways. “The main way that businesses can participate is through donating for the snowball drop,” said Annie Bergmann, Executive Director of Concordia Chamber of Commerce.
The snowball drop is divided into two categories: one for children and one for adults. The “snowballs” are a bunch of numbered ping-pong balls, with each number corresponding to a prize. Everyone who participates will get one prize, and there are many options to choose from. “Prizes range from free cookies, sandwiches, and ice cream to gift certificates to local businesses, gift baskets with the company’s logo, and chamber bucks,” said Bergmann.
After the snowball drop, participants can stop by the Chamber office on 207 W. 6th Street from 5:45-8:00 pm that night to claim their prize, or Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am-4:00 pm until December 15th.
The snowball drop is just one part of the event. Free activities for children will be held downtown, such as making magical reindeer dust, crafting dried floral Christmas trees, and more. Free hot chocolate will be provided by the United Methodist Church.
Carriage rides will be available for purchase, and visitors can stop and see Santa at Long Stem Gardens from 6:00-8:00 pm. More information can be found on the Concordia Chamber of Commerce’s website.
