December 09, 2020

It broke our square-shaped heart we couldn’t put on a Christmas parade in 2020. But we weren’t going to let the pandemic completely cancel holiday fun in Downtown Springfield.

Sounds of the season…on the Square

We’ve invited bands from across the area to play for you on Park Central Square this Saturday, Dec. 12! Come out and enjoy the Festival of Lights driving tour and the Team A.N.A. 417 Downtown Springfield Holiday Window Challenge. While you’re creating those fun memories, stop by the square between 2 and 8 p.m. be serenaded with the sounds of the season.

Here’s the performance schedule:

• 2 p.m. — Central High School Kilties
• 2:45 p.m. — Parkview High School Lassies
• 3:30 p.m. — Fordland High School Screamin’ Eagle Band
• 4:30 p.m. — Glendale High School Falcon Regiment Band
• 5:15 p.m. — Central High School Marching Bulldogs
• 6 p.m. — Willard High School’s The Cutting Edge
• 6:45 p.m. — Strafford Pride of the Tribe Band
• 7:30 p.m. — Kickapoo Golden Girls

Want to get outside your vehicle to listen to the music? No problem! We do ask all spectators to watch the bands from the outer perimeter of Park Central Square, where a face covering and maintain 6 feet of social distance from those not in your family group.

“We want people to grab something warm to drink from their favorite Downtown spot and create some special holiday memories,” Jennifer Moseley, Downtown Springfield Association event manager said. “Our neighborhood will also be dressed up for the Team A.N.A. 417 Downtown Springfield Holiday Window Challenge, so Downtown will be a can’t-miss destination for family-friendly holiday fun. It will be a perfect opportunity to support local retailers in year where it is important to support our neighbors.”

There’s an app for that

While you’re Downtown check out our new holiday app! We’ve teamed up with Incent Local for a web-based app that connects you to dining, shopping, the Festival of Lights and the Team A.N.A. 417 Downtown Springfield Holiday Window Challenge.

It’s easy! Just text “Downtown” to 833-344-0207 to get started. Click the link you receive to launch the app. It’s free and no download is required. In the app you’ll get daily discounts from some of Downtown Springfield’s best businesses. You can also answer trivia questions to get even better deals!

“We’re excited to be able to partner with the Downtown Springfield Association to offer our community a fun and simple way to access deals from Downtown businesses,” Jeff Marlin, President of Incent Local, said. “The program incorporates games such as trivia that offer additional incentives for members to shop Downtown over the holidays.”

The app also includes maps for the Festival of Lights and the Window Challenge. There’s also a link to vote for your favorite window.