By Sofia Montoya-Deck//
As the holiday season approaches, Downtown Frederick is preparing to offer a boatload of fun events, including the annual presentation of watercraft along Carroll Creek.
Each year, boats created by different organizations from the Frederick community are anchored along Carroll Creek between Market Street and Carroll Street.
Back for its ninth year, “Sailing Through the Winter Solstice” runs from mid-November through mid-March. This year’s fleet includes 26 boats, which set sail on Saturday, Nov. 23.
The tradition began in 2016 with a singular boat that debuted in the Kris Kringle Procession. “The idea was simple, to bring light and happiness to the creek in an otherwise dark time,” the event’s social media coordinator Elizabeth McGee said.
The boats are also a fundraiser as visitors can pay $5 to vote for their favorite. A local business or organization sponsors each boat, each of which selects a local non-profit charity to support. Last year, the event raised over $133,000.
“Our entire crew and founding sister project, Color on The Creek, are 100% volunteer-powered,” McGee said. “We are our own non-profit organization just wanting to create a more beautiful, shared space for our community.”
While familiar favorites have remained on the creek year after year, visitors can always look forward to fresh additions as well. “We have a growing interest of groups wanting to join the fleet,” McGee said. “While it does require a dedicated team, the payoff is more than worth it. Strolling downtown to see people marvel at your creations and being able to give back to a charity, it’s priceless.”
Downtown Frederick is also home to the annual Kris Kringle Procession. The event, which features thousands of paraders, fire companies, local organizations, the mayor, Santa and more takes place on Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free, and the procession will begin at the corner of South Carroll and East Patrick and ends in Baker Park.
Immediately following the procession, the Baker Park Band Shell will host a closing ceremony with carols, the City Christmas Tree lighting and guest speakers that will include Kris Kringle himself.
On Dec. 14, from noon to 7 p.m., Frederick County’s historic sites and museums will host “Museums by Candlelight.” Visitors can enjoy special programming and hands-on activities with free admission.
For those looking to do their Christmas shopping, the Downtown Frederick Partnership hosts Frosty Friday, Downtown’s version of Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. “That’ll include special deals, live music and plenty of opportunities to shop local at one of the historic district’s 200-plus locally owned businesses,” Visit Frederick’s Senior Marketing and Communications Manager Jake Wynn said.
The Maryland Christmas Show will be at the Frederick Fairgrounds from Nov. 29-Dec. 1. Adult entrance is $10 while child pricing is $4. The show consists of seven buildings full of art, pottery, furniture, jewelry, clothing, wreaths, toys, ornaments and more created by a variety of artisans and merchants.
Holiday shoppers can also visit the Frederick Holiday Market at Carroll Creek Park from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Nov. 30-Dec. 1.
This holiday season also marks the 200th anniversary of the French military officer Marquis de Lafayette visiting Frederick. According to Wynn, “Special events will take place to honor America’s favorite fighting Frenchman on Dec. 27-29, including a welcoming ceremony and a Lafayette-themed scavenger hunt in Downtown Frederick.”
Also hosted by the Downtown Frederick Partnership is live music, special events, s’mores stations and more on each Saturday in December.
“Downtown Frederick is always lively during the holiday season,” Wynn said.
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