Downtown Dover Partnership

Downtown Dover Partnership eNewsletter
December 2011

Wednesday, November 30th -Capital Holiday Celebration 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Join us in front of City Hall for the official start of the Holiday Season in Historic Downtown Dover. The City of Dover, the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Dover Partnership, Kent County Tourism and the Delaware State News have joined together to sponsor this event. Students from local schools, Dover's Mayor and City Council, Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce and DDP Board members, representatives of Dover Air Force Base and other local dignitaries are all coming together for the Tree-lighting and Carol Sing. Naturally, Santa will make an appearance. Bundle up, come out this evening and enjoy Hot Chocolate and Cookies courtesy of the Dover Kiwanis and Heritage of Dover and put yourself in a holiday mood. Don't forget to bring a non-perishable food item to help needy families in our community.

OOPS! - The November newsletter gave the wrong price for tickets for the quilt being raffled by the Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing. Local quilter, Gerrie Willis has donated a beautiful handmade quilt - Golden Opportunities - to be raffled off as a fundraiser. Tickets are only $5 each. The drawing for the quilt will be held on December 15th. Contact the Shelter at 302-736-3600 for more information or to purchase tickets.

Just in time for the Holidays - Downtown Dover Partnership and the City of Dover have installed banners along Loockerman Street promoting our capital city as "historically happening!" Be sure to check them out when you're walking along Loockerman. The banners bring a fresh look to our Downtown streetscape!

Friday, December 3rd - Downtown Dover is ready for the Holidays - Our Downtown merchants have a wide-array of great gift items for everyone on your holiday list - and be sure to get something extra special for yourself. Don't miss the opportunity to help families in need while you "Shop 'til You Drop". The beneficiary of our December First Friday Gives Back will be the Shepherd Place. Participating merchants will also be collecting nonperishable food items for our local food pantry.

Calling all Carolers to join the fun - 2nd Annual Caroling on Loockerman Street - Led by Dr. James Wilson from Wesley College. Willing singers should meet at 4:30 in the Choir Room at Wesley Church for a brief rehearsal and to get your candle to light the night. After the singing, enjoy Hot Chocolate provided by the Dover Lions Club.

Community Art Project - When you're out and about in historic Downtown Dover don't miss the hand-painted and decorated STARS on display in the shops as part of the DDP's Branding Project. The STARS will be on display throughout the holiday season, with a reception and Silent Auction to be held on Friday, January 6, 2012. Be sure to identify your favorite STAR(s) well in advance, we expect the bidding in January to be INTENSE! If after viewing the STARS you'd like to get in on the fun, a few STARS are still available at Forney's TOO! The cost is $25.

Saturday, December 3rd - 4th Annual Home for the Holidays Parade More than 50 groups including organizations, ROTC, Fire Companies, churches, Campus Community School and Del Tech drumlines, the Young Marines, Pageant Winners and others have registered for our Annual Home for the Holidays Parade. The Parade starts at 12 Noon at Spence's Bazaar, travels north on Queen Street to Loockerman, then East on Loockerman to Federal Street. Come early and stay late - Santa will be listening to Christmas wishes at 101 W Loockerman from 1:30-3:30.

2nd Annual Downtown Dover Coat Drive - sponsored by the Downtown Merchants, United Way, and the DDP through December 30th.

A joint effort of the merchants and the United Way with logistical support provided by the DDP, last year more than 300 coats were donated to local shelters because of your generousity. This year we hope to exceed that number. Clean out your closet, deliver your coats to a participating and receive a coupon for 10% off your next purchase at any of our participating merchants. Our warmest thanks to Lee Turner from Fly 65 and Rev. John Moore of the United Way.

Holiday Parking Special

Free Parking in the Bradford Street Metered Lot

All day, every day during the Holiday Season!

Take advantage of these great, free activities.

We want to see you in Downtown Dover!

Our December 2nd First Friday Line-up

5 to 8 pm

On Federal Street

The Biggs Museum- Handmade Holiday Cards. We know that those lengthy lists of friends and family can add up quickly. The Biggs would like to help you keep your holiday costs down. Using recycled materials from other programs we will offer a variety of creative ideas to help you create one-of-a kind cards. 2 pm-4:30 pm. Free to all.

On Loockerman Street

Strolling Community Caroling on Loockerman St. - Led by James Wilson of Wesley College. Caroling will be from 5 to 5:30
Bel Boutique - Kicking off our Holiday Open House weekend. Enjoy "The Art of the Scarf!" Come by to view new ways of wearing this fashionable & giftable accessory! Then, stop in on Saturday for punch and cookies at our Holiday Open House!
Caribbean Cuisine - Featuring freshly prepared Caribbean dishes - check us out and think about ordering something special for your Holiday Entertaining!
Delaware Made - Featuring N. Taylor Collins, Delaware Folk Artist and Poet, and Debbie Spencer, Creator of DelaBears and Delawares. Enjoy 10% off all Art and 20% off Everything Else.
Dover Art League - Hosting one of our Biggest First Friday Celebrations with Wayne McDermott's Lampworking Art, "The Beauty of Flow," and Music by Lonnie Field and John Kidd from Sand Creek from 5 to 7 pm. On Sunday, December 4th from 1pm to 3pm join us for "The Artful Santa Kids Workshop" for children four years old and up. The cost is $10 and includes materials, instruction, cookies and milk. Space is limited so reserve your child's space early.
Dover News Stand - Hosting author Marcy Mulford and her book "Molly in the Classroom: A Child's Perspective of Bullying", Molly finds the courage to help put a stop to bullying in her school Books are $9.99; and Book Signing by popular author E.V. Lambert, introducing her new Delaware murder thriller, "A Murder in Kent County", well as her Chesapeake adventure series, "Tugging on a Heartstring."
Suds Bar - Soaps and Essentials - Kicking off our Holiday Open House Weekend, meet Diane Avery, author of "My Yorkie, My Love" and Maggie, her Friend and Puppy Mill Survivor, for whom the book has been written. On Saturday please stop by for Entertainment and Refreshments.
Fly 365 - Sponsor and Home for our "2nd Annual Winter Coat Drive for the Needy", benefiting People's Place (Vera's Haven), Dover Interfaith Mission for Hoursing, Simon Circle Boys and Girls Club, The Shepherd Place, and Mom's House.
Forney's - Please stop by and select a gift for that special someone, or get yourself something that you really, really want!
Forney's Too - Featuring music by the talented duo, Jan and Kelly Crumpley playing Festive, Folksy, Holiday Music; and Enjoy our Troll Beads Trunk Show Event.
CENDEL Foundation Building - Visit with representatives from the Capital School District Mentor Program and enjoy holiday music after the caroling.
A Center for Mental Wellness - Featuring Time Capsule Letters for the whole family to enjoy!
Beehive Beauty Shop - Featuring Music by Singer/Songwriter Rick Hudson; and enjoy Holiday Styles for $10.00 and Free Tinsel. Check out our Mommy Made Hats Too!
Emmanuel's Religious Gifts & Books - Stop by 20% off Nativity Sets!
Partners in Design - Featuring Holiday Tunes by Classical Guitarist Aaron Taylor; and, Kicking off our Annual Holiday Open House, enjoy 10% off All Holiday Merchandise.
The Golden Fleece - Featuring Illusionist Dan Cain at 6pm., Music by Wes Davis from 5-8pm and DJ MIL spins from 9 to close. Also, 10% off for military
The Fashion Connection - There is always something happening at The Fashion Connection. Be sure to check in with Maxine's New York Fashions, The Wedding Boutique, and Top Notch Sewing!
The Wild Side - (Our New Pet Shop on the corner of Loockerman St. and Governors Ave.) Enjoy Gifts for the Pooch! Receive samples of Beaver Dam Dog Food, Nutro Dog Food and Greenies - Santa doesn't forget Pets!
Zuha Trend - Let us outfit you for your church events, proms, and other special occasions
Next Level Clothing - Check out our Fashions, we'll keeping you looking great
Jaze Authentic Hair Designs - Hair Cuts and Design for men of style
Janaid's, The Salon for Men - Expert barbers for all your hair care needs

On Bradford Street

William Boyd & Company Salon - Kicking off Our Holiday Open House Weekend, "The Art of Hair Feathers", have one put in your hair for $10.00 each; and Bring in an unopened New Toy (to be donated to The Shepherd Place) Friday Night or Saturday and receive 15% off for any Hair Service appointment made at that time. Also, enjoy discounts on Gift Sets purchased Friday Night and Saturday.

On Governors Avenue

Beyond Dimensions - Kicking off Our Holiday Open House Weekend with Violinist Marius Sander on Friday Night and our Celtic Duo, Jan and Kelly Crumpley, on Saturday. We will be drawing names for $5.00 Gift Certificates for each hour Friday Naight and Saturday...so remember to register to WIN!!!