Holidays in small-town Indiana is a time when friends and family draw nearer to each other.  The bonds of love and friendship become closer, warmer and more dear, and the memories of holidays past add to the brightness of the holidays we experience today.  Downtown Rising Sun hopes that you and your friends and family have a wonderful holiday and we also hope that some of those memories of Thanksgiving and Christmas 2009 include a visit to our little town, brightly lit on the banks of the Ohio River.
The Historic Downtown Program, in cooperation with the merchants of Rising Sun and Ohio County, the City of Rising Sun, Tourism, the Historical Society and many other agencies, organizations, and individuals, is planning all kinds of family oriented fun and events for your pleasure.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING EXPOSITION
To begin with, The Historic Dowtown Program is hosting a holiday shopping exposition at Heritage Hall on the first Fridays (5pm-8pm) and Saturdays (noon-5pm)  in November and December.  There will be unique gift opportunities from local business people. Some local woodworkers developed this idea.
This wonderful idea has become more broad allowing arts and crafts to even home business people to display and sell their wares.  You will be able to find holiday gifts for everyone on your list. The gifts can be one of a kind. Plus, you can have the satisfaction of knowing your money stayed local and that it did not go to a big box store.
Some of the items for sale will be hand crafted woodworked items, soaps, jewelry, cosmetics, candles, Christmas crafts, and other unique one-of-a-kind items.

FIRST FRIDAYS
First Friday events on Friday November     6 and Friday December 4 will include the Holiday Shopping Exposition and special open houses at The Pendleton Arts Center and other merchants on Main Street.  Plan to come early to Rising Sun and eat at one of the several downtown restaurants such as Acapulco’s, RiverStar, Courtyard, Hong Kong Kitchen, The River House, and The Snack Shack.  Close to the downtown area is Jack’s, Bailey’s, Topper’s, and Subway.

THANKSGIVING DINNER AT BETHEL UNITY BAPTIST
On Sunday November 22, join the community for a Thansgiving feast.  Entertainment will be provided by Kenny Jackson.  Please come and bring a covered dish of your favorite casserole or vegetable and find new friends to celebrate and give thanks with!

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN!
On Saturday December 5th and again on the 12th, that jolly old elf himself will make an appearance at Noon at Heritage Hall.  Children of all ages…including yourself…are welcome to whisper in Santa’s ear.  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.

ANNUAL CRITTER PARADE
Dress up your dog, cat, horse or hamster and bring them to the Annual Critter Parade.  It all starts at noon on Saturday Dec. 12 in front of the Rising Sun City Hall.  And if you would rather watch than parade, make sure to bring your camera for a parade like you have never seen before!  Prizes will be given to the pet that is best dressed.

CHRISTMAS CANTATAS
Bethel Unity Baptist Church will present “The Gift Goes On” Sunday December 13th at 10:00 am.  Rising Sun United Methodist Church will present their cantata at 7:00 pm that same evening.

KINDER BALLET AT HERITAGE HALL
On December 19th enjoy the Kinder Ballet in Heritage Hall at 2 pm

FREE CARRIAGE RIDES AROUND DOWNTOWN RISING SUN
Come and see the the beautiful and historic downtown area aboard a FREE horse-drawn carriage ride on Saturday December  19 as part of the last weekend celebration before Christmas.  Rides will be from 3 to 6 pm.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY HOLDS HOLIDAY EVENTS
The Ohio County Historical Society & Museum will be the place to visit to round out your holiday enjoyment.  This year, the Museum will be offering several events which will insure the holiday spirit is alive!  Plan on visiting all of them!
Nov. 14 10 am Market Place—Held at Heritage Hall on Mai Street; handmade items, antiques, wood working, dolls, baskets, homemade cookies, candies, and gift items.  Best of all, our homemade lunch.
Nov 27 through Dec 29 Christmas Train Display.  The Ohio County Historical Society’s collection of model trains (N-scale, HO-scale, O-scale, and G-scale) will be in full operation
Dec 6 1:30 Santa’s Workshop.  Join us to make decorations and ornaments to take home.
Dec. 11 6 pm “A Very Merry Literary Christmas” Dinner Program.  Journey with master storyteller Sharon Kirk Clifton as she leads you tales of the holiday season.
If you have any questions please call the Historic Downtown Program office at 812.438.2750.