It doesn’t seem right, but the Holiday Season is upon us.  So take a deep breath and to try to slow down to enjoy it.  In December, our downtown will be a busy place. In Heritage Hall there will be a local shopping exposition by our local woodworkers, arts and crafters, and even merchandise from home businesses.  So mark your calendars for Dec. 4th 5pm-8pm and Dec. 5th noon to 5pm.  Santa will be in Heritage Hall Dec. 5th and 12th from Noon to 2pm. Mellang Photography & Media will be there to take FREE pictures of your little loved ones with Santa. The pictures will be printed there, that day. Also, on Dec. 12 meet at City Hall with your pet for our annual Critter Parade.  Prizes will be given to the pet that is best dressed. On December 19th enjoy the Kinder Ballet in Heritage Hall at 2 pm then from 3pm-6pm take a ride free carriage ride.
Just a few Historic Downtown Program updates, the RECAP 2.0 grant is slowly, but surely reaching a point of activity that can be seen. We are thrilled to have the Gibson Hardware sign painted. We will be begin to spruce up a few more buildings to give our downtown more of a facelift. However, since we are now in the winter months our major renovations might have to be scheduled for the springtime.
Since June, the Historic Downtown Board has been meeting bi-monthly working towards a new Strategic Plan.  This process has been an enjoyable experience moving us toward understanding where we have been, where we want to go and how to get there.  What I personally like about our ‘Vision’ of Rising Sun is that in 5 years we do not want to be something we are not. We want to stay rural and simple, but be proud of this and market it.  People in this fast paced world will crave the stepping back and feeling like they are visitors in a quintessential small town.
May God watch over us all, especially all the current military men and women.