Deck the Downtowns, a joint holiday promotion between the Downtown Bettendorf Organization, Downtown Davenport Partnership and Rock Island Downtown Alliance, begins tonight and runs through the new year.
The downtown organizations, all part of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, will once again offer a slate of holiday fun from activities, shopping and seasonal fun. The event, which officially begins Wednesday, Nov. 19, features two tree lightings, the popular ornament hunts, a cookie crawl and a holiday display competition.
Here’s a look at the event’s highlights:
Tree Lightings: The Downtown Rock Island Tree Lighting is from 5-7 p.m. tonight in Arts Alley and Schwiebert Riverfront Park. It will include a ceremonial lighting by Rock Island Mayor Ashley Harris along with caroling, an arts market and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The City of Davenport Community Tree Lighting will follow on Friday, Nov. 21. It begins at 6 p.m. at K-Square (119 E. 3rd St.) with Davenport Mayor Mike Matson and hot cocoa, cookies and carols.
Holiday Display Challenge: More than 70 businesses across the three downtowns are participating in the competition. Twenty local artists have been hired to paint the festive scenes on many storefronts. Patrons can vote for their favorite display from Thursday, Nov. 20, through Jan. 1 for a chance to win prizes. Information is available at downtown businesses.
Ornament Hunts (Nov. 20 – Jan. 1)
Davenport Pickle Hunt: Patrons can join the German tradition by hunting for a holiday pickle ornament at more than 30 participating businesses. Those who find 10 pickles and turn in a completed hunt card at the German American Heritage Center & Museum or Downtown Davenport Public Library will receive a custom pickle ornament, while supplies last.
Rock Island Train Hunt: The hunt for the custom-crafted holiday train ornament – inspired by Rock Island’s railroad history – returns for its fourth year. More than 30 businesses are participating. Find 10 train ornaments and turn in a completed stamp card to receive a train ornament, while supplies last.
Deck the Downtowns Cookie Crawl: On Saturday, Nov. 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., (after the Festival of Trees Holiday Parade) more than 25 Downtown Davenport businesses will offer free cookie tastings from local bakeries such as ½ Nelson, 392, Cookies & Dreams and Small Town Pastry. The event also features exclusive deals, games and activities.
Deck the Downtowns encourages patrons to explore unique local shopping, seasonal displays and opportunities to win prizes through New Year’s Day.
More details and participating business lists are available online at Downtown Bettendorf Organization; Downtown Davenport Partnership and Rock Island Downtown Alliance.
