Throngs converge on Dayton for Christmas Kick Off

DAYTON–Brisk temperatures welcomed hundreds of visitors and local folks to the sidewalks and side streets of Our Fair City last Friday and Saturday for Christmas Kick Off 2024.

Local businesses were abuzz with activity and parking spots were hard to find along Main Street, and shop keepers reported business was ticking right along.

"The businesses I talked to were exhausted - exhausted of their supplies and happy, but exhausted business owners!" exclaimed Belinda Larson, Executive Director of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce, organizer of Dayton annual Christmas Kick Off.

"This was my third Kickoff event," Larson pointed out, "and I don't think I've seen our town with as much participation as there was this year. Families young and old were smiling, laughing, visiting on the sidewalks or wandering through stores.

A note of positivity effused the community, Larson said. "What an extraordinary event! So much positivity from the community regarding all of the event, from the Holiday Market, Festival of Trees, Christmas Lighted Parade, fireworks displays, reindeer and everything else that was presented or represented in our community," she said.

Larson credited local sponsors, volunteers and the community for making the event in "The Town That Still Believes!" a success this year.