Downtown Benton Inc. members are planning an array of activities for the Holiday Magic Festival. Alan Odom, a DBI board member and chairman of the organization committee, said activities are designed to “bring people to the downtown area of Benton."

“Our first event will be a make it and take it wreath decorating class,” he said. “The wreaths and ribbons will be provided. If those wishing to participate have special colors or materials they wish to add to their wreath they are welcome to bring them to the class.

“My mother, Nancy Odom, will be teaching the make it and take it wreath class,” Odom said. “The class will be taught at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, in the Downtown Benton Inc. office located at 202 Public Square.

The cost is $20 but you can’t buy a nice wreath for that amount of money. We are asking people to register by Nov. 3 by calling 439-6105 or 439-9753. Be sure to bring your clippers or wire cutters and a hot glue gun. Bring your friends to the class. This will be a nice social event.”

Odom said the promotions committee would be offering a bow making and package decorating class later in November. “The bow-making and package decorating class will be on Monday, Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the DBI office,” he said. “Gina Cockrum-Melvin of Vickee’s Floral and Cards will be the instructor.

“Another event, also in November, will be a class for children,” Odom said. “The promotions committee will provide Christmas ornaments for kids to decorate and take with them. The date for this class will be announced at a later date.”

Odom said the events provide residents an opportunity to “gear up for the holiday season”. “We want to bring back that old-fashioned Christmas spirit to downtown Benton,” he said. “These events give people an opportunity to shop the downtown area, and have dinner or coffee in the restaurants. This also gears up the excitement for the next event, which is on Tuesday, Dec. 6 when Santa arrives on the square in a motorized sleigh.

“We will be lighting the tree in Capitol Park and hope to have caroling at dusk,” Odom said.

“Santa will be in The Buzz, with free cookies and hot chocolate for the children. We welcome parents to have a cup of coffee and dessert in The Buzz and hope parents will take this opportunity to have their child’s photo taken with Santa. A photographer will be available and we hope to be able to offer carriage rides beginning at Dan Malkovich Park. We will work out the details of the route as time draws closer.”

Odom said the last event of the Holiday Magic Festival would be on Saturday, Dec. 13.

“Santa will return to The Buzz for story time, photos, songs and rides on one of Benton’s fire engines,” he said. “We invite parents to have coffee and relax while their children are being entertained by Santa. Festivities begin at 12:30 p.m. with photos with Santa until 1:30. From 1:30 until 2:30 p.m., Santa will be reading three Christmas stories and singing songs with the children. From 2:30 to 4 p.m., free rides on a fire truck will be offered to children.”

He said DBI members are working hard to “revitalize the downtown area."

“We believe we have a nice slate of events and are very excited about this year’s Holiday Magic Festival,” Odom said. “Parents, be sure to bring a camera to photograph your child with Santa. This is a memory you will want to keep forever.

“We are offering three classes and two visits with Santa but this takes volunteers and we need more,” he said. “We want to add to our volunteer base and are asking for residents help. These events are an example of what DBI does for the community every year. Please call 439-6105 to volunteer or for more information. We can not do this without help and support from the community.”