The Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce recently released a list of upcoming events for the holiday season.  All of the events in place call for the community to celebrate the season and to focus on keeping it local when shopping & dining.  The theme for this year’s festivities is WhoVille in Hope.

First opportunity to join in the seasonal fun kicks off with “Where in the WhoVille is Grinch?”  From Monday, November 16 – Friday, November 20, the Grinch will be “working” outside a variety of businesses located throughout Hope.  Those who stop and take a selfie with the Grinch should use the #whovilleinhope and tag the chamber for an opportunity to receive an additional entry form in the $250.00 Hope Bucks Drawing. 

Would you like to be one of the community judges for the Window Décor Drive Thru View & Vote Contest? If so, the contest starts on Thursday, November 19 and runs through Saturday, November 21 from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM each night.  Christmas Open House participating businesses will decorate their windows and/or outside entryways in the theme of the season.  After you vote for 1st – 3rd place, you may place your voting card in the box that will be placed outside the chamber offices at 201 S Main Street.  A list of participating businesses & voting cards may be picked up November 12-14 outside the chamber.  The chamber will also post a list of participating businesses on their Facebook page (Hope Chamber) because the businesses will distribute voting cards and business lists as well.

Festival of Trees, Sharing Love & Giving Hope will be a new addition to downtown décor.  Businesses, including nonprofit organizations, will decorate Christmas trees with lights and décor depicting their mission.  The trees will be placed around the perimeter of The Hub located on the corner of 2nd and Elm.  View the trees from November 19 – December 8.  After December 8th, the trees will be donated to families in our community.

Christmas Open House is scheduled for Saturday, November 21 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.  Follow the chamber on Facebook for a complete list of participating businesses.  Join in the fun as stores offer refreshments, door prizes and/or giveaways.  Join us for the following: Music throughout the town!  Carriage Rides! Pop-Up Shops! Nonprofit Organizations & Games at the Hub! PLUS…with each in-store purchase, you will receive an entry form for the Hope Bucks Drawing.

Hope Christmas Parade is scheduled for Monday, December 7 at 6:00 PM.  At press release time, parade details were still being put in place.  The chamber will issue another release with parade details.

Special thanks to the following sponsors:

Hope Bucks Sponsor: SWARK.Today

Window Décor Contest Sponsor: The First National Bank of Tom Bean

Carriage Ride Sponsor: McDonald’s

Printing Sponsor: Hope Water & Light

Christmas Parade Presenting Sponsor: Farmers Bank & Trust

“Soon you will get to enjoy in-store videos as we promote “being vocal about local” throughout the seasonal celebrations.  We encourage everyone to join in the fun of WhoVille in Hope!   Mark your calendars for November 21 and join us for Christmas Open House.  Please remember that social distancing rules (including the wearing of masks) will still be in place. Thank you for supporting our local businesses and for helping us help our community to stay safe & healthy,” stated Beckie Moore, chamber director.