December 25, 2021

The 2021 holiday season embodies the progress Downtown Springfield made over the past 21 months.

Children lined up for free train rides and hot chocolate for the Mayor’s Tree Lighting. Sidewalks bustled with shoppers on Small Business Saturday. Restaurants and event venues are hosting holiday parties. Springfield Little Theatre and the Gillioz Theatre are buzzing with more shows than ever. The Christmas Parade went back to its traditional route full of music from high school marching bands, dozens of floats, and Santa and Mrs. Claus as the grand finale.

Community is embedded in Downtown’s DNA and is what sets us apart as the most vibrant place to live, work and play in southwest Missouri. The Downtown Springfield Association is thankful for each of our members who help us write this current chapter in Downtown’s rich history.

As we prepare for 2022, we recognize there is much work ahead. We look forward to partnering with our small businesses, residents and volunteers to keep the momentum going. New retailers and restaurants are preparing to open soon in the new year. O’Reilly Hospitality has started its renovations on the new Moxy Hotel by Marriott. Our DSA team will add Aubrey Prugger (co-founder of BookMarx) as our Assistant Events Manager and Membership Coordinator. Plans for the IDEA Commons, Grant Avenue Parkway and Renew Jordan Creek will take tangible steps forward over the next 12 months.

Be sure to keep an eye on the ItsAllDowntown.com website and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for these exciting updates.

DSA wishes you a very Merry Christmas and — through what we can accomplish together — a prosperous New Year!

— Rusty Worley, DSA Executive Director