Christmas on the Square has been celebrated in downtown Bainbridge for a number of years, but this year the celebration will take a different format.
“The city already has two child-centered events at Christmas, and this year we wanted to add an event with more of an adult theme,” explained Downtown Development Authority Director, Amanda Glover.
The new and exciting concept for taking care of those last minute Christmas gifts while enjoying a date night out at the same time is being held the evening of Thursday, Dec. 19.
Downtown merchants will stay open later (7:30 p.m.) for your shopping convenience; but this year you can enjoy a Christmas Progressive dinner at the same time.
Begin at Port City Deli with a first course of appetizers and drinks, then enjoy the main entree of either stuffed grouper or prime rib at Crave Eatery. Top it off with dessert and coffee at The Bean before moving on to the Bainbridge Little Theatre for entertainment.
Childcare is available at Polka Dots Gift Shop, where they will be watched and fed   for $15 per child, and $10 for each additional sibling. Contact Kristy at Polka Dots to reserve your space.
The entertainment at the theater includes a musical sing-along and Karaoke. Actors from the BLT will take part.
Cost for the progressive dinner is $50 per person. There are two dinner seating times: 6 p.m. or 7p.m. Contact Amanda Glover at 229-400-9093 or by email amandag@bainbridgecity.com to purchase tickets and make dinner reservations. Registration deadline is Monday, Dec. 16.
It is not a prerequisite that you eat dinner. Shoppers who want only to shop or attend the theater event are welcome to participate without paying the fee.
Another added bonus to Christmas on the Square is the “Follow the Star” 5K and 1 mile Jingle Bell Dash hosted by Morningside Baptist CWE Preschool. Race day registration begins at 4:45 p.m. in the public parking lot on East Water Street. For more information about that contact Gina Conley at 119-154-9889 or www.morningsidebainbridge.org.
Glover said this new concept came about as a result of the focus group meetings being developed by the downtown merchants. It was recommended they all work together in a cohesive group.
The idea for this progressive dinner was an outcome of that planning meeting.
The three participating restaurants are all three 2013 winners of the Readers Choice contest conducted by The Post Searchlight.