MUSCATINE, Iowa - The 31st annual Holiday Stroll in Muscatine is set to take place in downtown Muscatine on Friday, Dec. 4 from 5:30-8 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Muscatine Journal and the Muscatine Downtown Action Alliance.
"This year's Holiday Stroll is going to be bigger, better and brighter than ever," said Karla Pinner, publisher of the Muscatine Journal. "We're really excited about the lighted parade, which is new this year. Local kids will be carrying special lanterns; it should be a lot of fun. You're also going to see more lighted decorations downtown. "
There will be free refreshments up and down Second Street in various shops and there will be an opportunity to extend the holiday spirit further by dropping toys off for the Salvation Army at Carriage House Carpet One Floor and Home, 121 E. Second St.
In addition to being able to enjoy music, people will be able to appreciate other kinds of art with an artist meet and greet at We Can Frame That, 221 E. Second St., and with artist Carol Steinmetz at Pearl City Iowa Realty, 222 W. Second St.
Not only will Second Street be abuzz with family friendly activities as is tradition, but festivities will extend all the way up to Third Street via Cedar Street. Local band Lefty and the Spinners, which typically only performs once a year, will be playing at the Muscatine Journal building at 301 Third Street and Vineyard Church, at 224 E 3rd St., will host an array of live music as well.
There will be plenty of photo opportunities at the Stroll, so don't forget to bring your camera and to share them using the hashtag #MuscaStroll. The Pearl City Players will be dressed in costumes for photo ops and Santa will be at several locations after his appearance in the parade at 6 p.m., including Sarah Siler Photography and the Jubilee Community Center.
The parade will also include dogs from the Humane Society and anybody else who'd like to participate can sign up to do so by calling Pinner at 563-262-0552.
Also, the Muscatine Parks and Recreation department is holding its annual Candy Cane Hunt down at the riverfront at 7 p.m. for preschool through fourth graders. There will be lots of candy canes to be found by all participants as well as several "special" candy canes that can be redeemed at Pearl City Station for a special toy. Cookies and drinks will be available at Pearl City Station after the hunt. The Candy Cane Hunt will be held in the dark, so bring a flashlight if you can! LED flashlights will be available if you're unable to bring your own.
"Bring your kids, bring your friends," Pinner said. "There's going to be so much to do, you'll be lucky if you can do everything before the night's over."
Businesses and organizations participating in the Stroll (At this time, watch for a complete list in the Muscatine Journal)
Carriage House Carpet One Floor and Home - Salvation Army toy drop off, toy drawings
Candle Shed Effect - Open
CBI Bank and Trust - Muscatine High School instrumental group 4:50-5 p.m.; Muscatine High School chorus groups 5-6 p.m.; light refreshments
Creations by Oz - Wine tasting, hot cocoa, discounts on handcrafted jewelry, and unique finds
Elly's Tea and Coffee - Hot chocolate and cider for $1
Feather Your Nest - "Pick a top hat" savings on store purchase
Fighting Chance Solutions - live music and home school orchestra
First National Bank - Holiday villages decorating the patio
Fresh Vintage - Hot cider and treats in the Pearl Plaza atrium
Grillzilla Food Truck - On Cedar Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets
Gypsy Junk Market - Refreshments
Hall Tree Boutique - Open
Hubbles - $1.50 domestic draft beer
Ideal Wellness - Specials instore
Jubilee Community Center - Santa
Just Because - Open
Mealy Law Offices - Cookies, hot chocolate, ornaments
Muscatine Journal - Lefty and The Spinners band
Muscatine Photography Studio - Cider, hot chocolate, cookies and photo ops; magic show
Muscatine Search and Rescue - Hot chocolate and demonstrations on Cedar Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets
Pearl City Iowa Realty - Artist Carol Steinmetz, treats and refreshments
Pearl City Players - Dressing in costumes for photo ops, location to be announced
Ruhl & Ruhl - Starbucks, fire pit, HyVee serving coffee and cookies
Salon Incognito - Music, refreshments
Sarah Siler Photography - Photos with Santa
Sherwin Williams - Miss Louise dance group performing in windows
Start to Finish - Specials on shakes, hot tea, soup, oatmeal and protein bars
The Flower Gallery - Three guys with Soule performing
The Wild Thing - Open
Trinity Episcopal Church - Louisa-Muscatine Elementary Choir performing during the soup supper
Under the Bed Antiques - Hot chocolate and cookies, 10 percent off items
U.S. Cellular - Handouts and refreshments on Cedar Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets
Vineyard Church - Vineyard Collective performing at 6-6:30 p.m.; Muscatine High School group performing at 6:30-7 p.m.; Muscatine Community College Variety Singers at 7-7:30 p.m.; refreshments
We Can Frame That - Queens C&S Pageant singing; artist meet and greet with hot chocolate, cookies, etc.
Wine Nutz - After party with live music from Fighting Chance Solutions
Zogg Pilates - Pilates and yoga demonstrations, balance yoga and massage
