Now in its 16th year, the Irvington Holiday Open House will take place on Friday, December 11 from 3:00-9:00 p.m. The event is organized by the Irvington Business Association and is one of the high points of the holiday season in the community. Irvington is home to a wide variety of shops, restaurants and other small businesses along South Audubon, Johnson and Bonna Avenues as well as East Washington Street. This event offers the members of the Irvington Business Association the opportunity to give back to the community.
New to the event this year is a trolley to ferry revelers among the many Irvington locations. Author Julie Young will entertain during trolley rides leading carols and quizzing riders about Irvington and Christmas trivia. The trolley will have four stops: in front of Inhabit on the southeast corner of Bonna and Ritter, on the northwest corner of Bonna and Audubon, in the library parking lot on the southwest corner of Audubon and Washington and in front of 10 Johnson Avenue coffee shop. Rides are free. Free will contributions to the ICAN food and clothing pantry to help neighbors in need will be gratefully accepted.
The community will resound with music throughout the event. The library is hosting the Tech Technicians at 3:30 and the Circle City Bell Ringers at 5:00. Classical Music Indy will entertain at 10 Johnson Avenue at 7:30. Also school choirs and scout groups will carol throughout the neighborhood.
There will be many special activities for children. Throughout the event, Geneva Hair Studio will sponsor a coloring contest, Ambassador Zuza will greet children at Bookmamas, Gingerbread Houses will be displayed at Bookmamas/Irvington Vinyl, and from 3-5:00 the library will sponsor face painting.
What would a holiday event be without Santa? He will be available for children’s visits from 5:00 -8:00 p.m. at George Thomas Florist. Walgreens will provide photos.
From 3-9:00, Geneva Hair Studio will feature the Hamilton County Firefighters and sell their calendars to raise funds for the Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Julie Edwards will demonstrate the creation of small pottery animals at Handmade Holiday throughout the event. Bookmamas will feature several authors including Paul Diebold, author of Greater Irvington, Linda Mansfield, who wrote Twelve Days of Stories for Christmas, and Becky and Todd Outcalt, authors of Indiana Wineries: The Ultimate Guide to Wine in Indiana from 5:00-8:00.
Special sponsors of the evening include Jockamos, Black Sheep, Black Acre, The Indianapolis Public Library, Simply Helpful, Walgreens, the Historic Irvington Community Council and Bookmamas. Throughout the event, students from Irvington Preparatory Academy will wrap gift purchases at Artisan Realtors and Irvington Insurance for donations. Please contribute generously to help with their programming.
Come out, explore and enjoy the holiday spirit of Irvington on this special Friday in December. Savor a meal, raise a glass, discover unique gifts, enjoy a special event, join in caroling, meet local authors and admire the festive decorations. Details on events are at www.shopirvington.com.
