2020 Christmas on Main Holiday Events

2020 Christmas on Main Holiday Events

Visit Downtown Garner now through the end of 2020 for a dose of holiday cheer!  While the holidays look a bit different this year, the Downtown Garner Association invites you to enjoy a safe, socially-distanced walk down Main Street.  This go-at-your-own-pace event is open 24/7 – we urge visitors to take necessary safety precautions and avoid crowds due to COVID.

The windows of Garner’s historic business district have been transformed into a winter wonderland with festive holiday artwork.   Visit the North Pole, say hi to Santa, carol along to the 12 Days of Christmas, and stop off for a cup of cheer!

While you enjoy the bright Christmas lights, cheery artwork, and jolly green wreaths, take pictures – it’s perfect for family holiday photos and Instagram backdrops!  Be sure to tag @DowntownGarner on Facebook and Instagram and use #GarnerChristmasOnMain in your photos – we’ll feature our favorites weekly!

Special thanks to Steve and Stacy Kolcaz from Grafix House for their time and effort in making Main Street shine with holiday decorations.

Holiday window art in Downtown Garner is brought to you by our generous 2020 sponsors:

Meg Hunter

Mary Elizabeth Twiddy

Garner Area Historical Society

Town of Garner Holiday Events

Virtual Christmas Tree Lighting

Friday, December 4th – 6pm
Join the Town of Garner for our Virtual Christmas Tree Lighting! Mayor Ken Marshburn and Santa come together to light the tree and and bring Christmas cheer!

 

Family Candy Cane Hunt

Saturday, December 5th – 12-4pm
In this photo scavenger hunt, families will each be given a poster size candy cane to decorate, along with clues on locations to take it around Town. Groups will return to Avery Street with photo evidence and receive a Holiday Family Craft Kit. Prizes will be given to the most festively dressed team and best decorated candy cane.

Christmas on Main Street

Saturday, December 5th – 1pm
Drive by the Garner Recreation Center on December 5 from 1-3pm to wave and wish at Santa!
Bring your holiday spirit and keep everyone safe by following these rules:
1. Traffic will only enter Main Street from New Rand Road.
2. Please remain in your vehicle.
3. Please do not stop.

The Hall Sisters Holiday Concert

Thursday, December 17th – 7pm
While you can’t come to the GPAC, the GPAC is coming to you! We are pleased to continue our GPAC from Home series where we offer a FREE livestream performance featuring some of the best in local and regional talent. Join us on Thursday, December 17th for a holiday performance by The Hall Sisters! 

Garner Historical Society Christmas Ornaments

Members of the Historical Society will be at the building beside the Historic Depot on Sunday, December 6, from 2:00 to 4:00 with Christmas ornaments and a few other items for sale. These ornaments were hand made by an artist in Sanford and there are a limited number – don’t miss out!  Only cash and check payments will be accepted at this time. For more information, follow the Historical Society on Facebook.

Updated: April Foods Day Cancelled

Updated: April Foods Day Cancelled

APRIL FOODS DAY IS CANCELLED

In accordance with Gov. Roy Cooper’s March 14 executive order and his recommendations concerning the response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Downtown Garner Association is canceling the food truck rodeo this year. We take these steps because, as always, maintaining the health and well being of our community is our top priority.

Join us on Main Street in Downtown Garner for our annual event featuring 15 food trucks and 3 local NC craft breweries! Enjoy live acoustic/bluegrass music, local artisan vendors, handmade crafts and kid-friendly activities!

DATE: SUNDAY, April 5, 2020

TIME: 12:00 TO 5:00 PM

PLACE: MAIN STREET FROM PURVIS ST. TO GRIFFIN ST.

ADMISSION: FREE!

April Foods Day Food Truck Rodeo will be held rain or shine.  Admission and parking are free – our talented parking crew will be on hand at the west end of Main Street to direct you to parking on the day of the event.

Due to the large crowds and food trucks, we ask that pets stay at home during this event for safety reasons.  The Town of Garner does not permit pets (other than service animals) at public events at this time.

Food Truck Lineup

Craft Breweries

What else will you find at April Foods Day?

Fun for the Kids

Live Music 

Local Craft artisans

A good time in Downtown 

Interested in Volunteering?

We need a few good volunteers to help us make this year’s event an even bigger success! Volunteers will receive a swag bag with a Downtown Garner t-shirt, travel mug, and other goodies.  Sign up today!

Free Parking

Let our excellent parking crew help find you a spot on the west end of Main Street – parking is available at Garner Baseball and the Lions Club.  Limited parking (including handicapped spots) is available east of Griffin Street on Main Street.

Please do not park on the side streets off of East Main Street – the streets are narrow and residents need to be able to get in and out.

2020 Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available

2020 Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available

Help Downtown Thrive in 2020!

We cordially invite your business to become a 2020 sponsoring partner in Downtown Garner’s revitalization efforts. Financial support from our sponsors helps fund programming and sustains economic revitalization in downtown. In addition, being a downtown sponsor is a great way to promote your business at fun, family-friendly community events while helping draw attention to our downtown revitalization efforts.  Between events, online marketing and print media, over 100,000 people see our sponsors each year. To sign on as a 2020 Downtown Garner Sponsor: Contact Mari Howe, Downtown Development Manager, at mhowe@garnernc.gov or 919-773-4402 by March 8, 2020.

2020 Sponsor Benefits include:

For your contribution to our downtown revitalization efforts, your business is entitled the benefits below for your selected contribution level.  Please note: booth space at food truck rodeos may not be converted to a food truck entry for downtown events.
Presenting Sponsor – $2,500
  • Logo & “Presented by” credit on online ads for Downtown Garner events
  • Logo & “Presented by” credit on event rack cards & direct mail inserts
  • Complimentary booth space at 2 Food Truck Rodeos
  • Individual sponsor banner displayed at 2020 Food Truck Rodeos
  • Two Downtown Garner t-shirts
  • Annual listing on Downtown Garner website
Gold Sponsorship – $1,000
  • Logo & “Presented by” credit on Downtown Garner’s 2020 public art projects
  • Logo & “Gold Sponsor” credit on event rack cards & direct mail inserts
  • Complimentary booth space at 2 Food Truck Rodeos
  • Logo on “Beer Garden Sponsored by” banner displayed at 2020 Food Truck Rodeos
  • Two Downtown Garner t-shirts
  • Annual listing on Downtown Garner website
Silver Sponsorship – $500
  • Complimentary booth space at one Food Truck Rodeo of your choice
  • Logo & “Silver Sponsor” credit on event rack cards & direct mail inserts
  • Logo on “Kid Zone Sponsored by” banner displayed at 2020 Food Truck Rodeos
  • One Downtown Garner t-shirt
  • Annual listing on Downtown Garner website
Bronze Sponsorship – $250
  • Complimentary booth space at one Food Truck Rodeo of your choice
  • Name & “Bronze Sponsor” credit on event rack cards & direct mail inserts
  • Logo on “Band Sponsored by” banner displayed at 2020 Food Truck Rodeos
  • Annual listing on Downtown Garner website
Downtown Ambassador Sponsorship – $100
  • Name & “Downtown Ambassador” credit on event rack cards & direct mail inserts
  • Annual listing on Downtown Garner website

Questions?

Please contact Mari Howe, Downtown Development Manager, at mhowe@garnernc.gov or 919-773-4402 by March 8, 2020.

About the Downtown Garner Association

Formed in 2005, the Downtown Garner Association fosters downtown economic revitalization within a context of historic preservation. Downtown Garner is a North Carolina Main Street community; DGA oversees the Main Street program through a public-private partnership with the Town of Garner. DGA is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible for individuals and businesses. Sponsors will receive a donor acknowledgement letter in thanks for their financial support of DGA’s events and programming in Downtown Garner. Visit DowntownGarner.com for more information.

Our Vision

Historic Downtown Garner connects our small-town roots with our future as a growing crossroads of cultural arts, recreation, and creative entrepreneurship in the community. Through private development, public investment, & historic preservation, we’re expanding our downtown to become the destination for local flavor & flair in Garner.
Only Treats Here! Trick or Eat Food Truck Rodeo is Oct. 20

Only Treats Here! Trick or Eat Food Truck Rodeo is Oct. 20

Countdown to Delicious Eats!

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Join us on Main Street in Downtown Garner for our annual event featuring 15 food trucks and 3 local NC craft breweries! Enjoy live acoustic/bluegrass music , local artisan vendors, handmade crafts and kid-friendly activities!

DATE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2019

TIME: 12:00 TO 5:00 PM

PLACE: MAIN STREET FROM PURVIS ST. TO GRIFFIN ST.

ADMISSION: FREE!

Trick or Eat Food Truck Rodeo will be held rain or shine.  Admission and parking are free – our talented parking crew will be on hand at the west end of Main Street to direct you to parking on the day of the event.

Due to the large crowds and food trucks, we ask that pets stay at home during this event for safety reasons.  The Town of Garner does not permit pets (other than service animals) at public events at this time.

Food Truck Line Up

Craft Brewery Line Up

Kids’ Activities

The Kid Lab team provides hands-on fun through engaging crafts, sensory activities and play prompts designed to facilitate playful learning for kids of all ages. Check out fun activities like make-take-craft station, a sensory bin (ex. moon sand), and coloring sheets to take home. 

Handmade Crafts

Check out several vendors featuring handmade items including bath & body, home decor, jewelry, prints and art, and more!

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Free Parking

Let our excellent parking crew help find you a spot on the west end of Main Street – parking is available at Garner Baseball and the Lions Club.  Limited parking (including handicapped spots) is available east of Griffin Street on Main Street.

Please do not park on the side streets off of East Main Street – the streets are narrow and residents need to be able to get in and out.

Movies Under the Stars in May & June

Movies Under the Stars in May & June

There is just something special about watching a movie outdoors

The warm breeze blowing, sounds of summer in the background, and stars shining overhead – Come enjoy cinematic magic in an outdoor setting with your family and friends. We have selected new releases along with some old favorites for all to enjoy.  The 2019 Outdoor Movie Series is presented with support from our sponsors Planet Fitness, Garner’s HomeTowne Realty and the Town of Garner.

Bring lawn chairs and blankets, grab a beer from the local craft brewery on sight, enjoy food, Kona Ice of Garner, or even bring your own picnic, and settle down on the grass for a fabulous night of great food, great beer and great cinema!

Event Details

When: Thursdays from May 23 to June 27

Time: Movies start at dark – around 8pm

Where: Back Lawn of the Garner Performing Arts Center – 125 Avery St. Garner, North Carolina 27529

Admission & Parking: Free!

GPAC Back Lawn

In case of RAIN: the movie will be cancelled. We will try to reschedule if possible. Check the Facebook events page the day of the showing for weather updates.

We kindly request that pets stay at home – unfortunately, pets are not allowed at the Garner Performing Arts Center, even outdoors, due to liability concerns.

Parents – Please Note: While we try to pick family friendly films, some films may contain strong language/content that’s not appropriate for younger viewers. We ask parents to use discretion when deciding to bring children under the age of 13. We thank you for understanding.

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Pop Up Markets Coming up in 2019!

Pop Up Markets Coming up in 2019!

Our popular Downtown Garner Pop Up Markets return in 2019 as a quarterly event!

Join us April 28, July 28, and September 29 from 12pm to 4pm at Garner Rec Park (205 E. Main St.) for some great shopping, good food, and fun for all ages.  This is our fourth year hosting the pop up markets and we’re excited to welcome back several great vendors!
Part farmer’s market, part craft pop-up, our Downtown Garner Pop Up Market will feature a great variety of vendors selling homemade baked goods, handcrafted jewelry, all natural bath and body products, rustic home decor, and more!

Part farmer’s market, part craft pop-up, our Downtown Garner Pop Up Market will feature a great variety of vendors selling homemade baked goods, handcrafted jewelry, all natural bath and body products, rustic home decor, and more!

Event Details

Dates: April 28 |  July 28 | September 29

Time: 12pm to 4pm

Where: Garner Rec Park (205 E. Garner Rd.)

Parking: Onsite at Garner Senior Center (next door to park)

Garner Rec Park

Parking

Don’t miss the delicious eats

We’re bringing new food trucks to our markets this year! Stop by to grab lunch while you shop and enjoy the new picnic shelter at Garner Recreational Park. We’re also pleased to welcome our sponsor Kona Ice of Garner – providing tasty and refreshing shaved ice at all of our markets!

Interested in being a vendor?

You can fill out an application on our vendor application page.