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Living Windows
December 7, 5-8 PM
Dozens of storefronts will come alive during the Annual Living Windows celebration on December 7!
This favorite holiday event includes lights, carolers, story readings, crafts, decorations, gingerbread houses, free horse-drawn carriage rides, ice sculpting, and much more. Be sure to visit Santa Claus at his cottage on the corner of Fifth and Jefferson Street.
Living Windows includes warming stations and beverages at many Downtown stores. It's a great opportunity to do some Christmas shopping, see friends, and enjoy the holiday season.
For more information please contact The Greater Burlington Partnership at 319-752-6365.
Thank you to our Premier Sponsor
The Collective Food Hub!
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Thank you to Standard of Beaverdale for being the Trolley Sponsor, and Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust for sponsoring the
Ice Carving!
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Santa's Cottage
The jolly old elf himself will be greeting visitors in Downtown Burlington on the corner of Fifth and Jefferson from 12 PM to 2 PM on December 2, 9, 16, and 23, and during Living Windows on December 7 from 5 - 8 PM.
There is no cost, and cameras are welcome! Creating fond memories of Downtown for families today, helps build support for a thriving Downtown tomorrow.
Many thanks to Carl A. Nelson & Co., the City of Burlington, Boy Scout Troop 3, and the DPI Design Committee for their assistance with Santa's Cottage.
Thank you to our Premier Sponsor, Addington Place of Burlington for bringing Santa and Santa's Cottage to the Downtown!
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Eat, Drink & Shop in Downtown Burlington ALL Season Long!
Independent businesses are the backbone of Downtown Burlington. In fact, nearly all of the Downtown businesses are locally owned and operated. They are a big reason why Downtown Burlington is a distinctive destination. Downtown has things you simply cannot find anywhere else.
When you support a locally owned business, whether it’s a retail shop, restaurant, or professional service, you are directly supporting your own community. These businesses are owned by your neighbors - the people who have personally made financial investments in seeing Downtown succeed. They are entrepreneurs who know how important it is to have direct contact with their customers. They choose the merchandise, maintain the buildings, and pay the taxes. They are in business here because they believe in the community.
There are a lot of great reasons to shop independent, and shop Downtown Burlington, including the unique products and personal services offered here. Build a strong town by keeping your dollars in the local community! Eat, drink, and shop LOCAL!
Come check out your local businesses - They look forward to seeing you!
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Miracle on Jefferson St
Dec 2 & 9
Experience that nostalgic, warm-fuzzy feeling with your family in beautiful Downtown Burlington this holiday season!
This magical day is a family self-guided event. Begin at the Art Center by picking up your goodie bag anytime after 10 AM but allow enough time because the fun ends by 4 PM. Your family will spend a few hours making small crafts, painting pottery, creating a family photo, listening to Christmas stories, watching Christmas movies, and so much more!
Miracle on Jefferson St is most enjoyed by kids 10 and under.
When: First 2 Saturdays of December (December 2 & 9)
Time: 10am - 4pm
Price: $12 per child, Adults free!
Here are some of the shops (& more being added!!) who have a fun activity planned for your family:
Art Center of Burlington
Burlington by the book
Collective Food Hub
The Beancounter
The Medium
Gypsi
Red Screen Door
Stitch N Smile
First Crossing Crepes + coffeehouse
Burlington Vintage
+ more businesses being added!
Visit Santa at his Cottage on the corner of Jefferson & N. 5th between 12 PM - 2 PM.
For more information, please visit the Art Center of Burlington.
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Snake Alley is ready for the Holiday Season!
Thank you to Heritage Hill Association and Downtown Partners, Inc. Volunteers for making the Alley shine for the holidays!
Thank you to Beames Welding and Repair who welded the snowflakes and Mark White from our Heritage Hill Association who refurbished all the snowflakes! And the beautiful bows were made by Randy!
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Another historic building in Downtown Burlington, Iowa will see new life in 2024
Downtown Partners, Inc. has been awarded another Main Street Challenge Grant!
The grant has been awarded to Burlington Black Water, LLC for the renovations of the Brown Building on the 600 Block of Jefferson Street. They will be receiving $83,000 for the renovations in a building with commercial space that has been vacant for at least a decade. The commercial space will soon house an amazing experience in the Downtown, a historical Miniature Golf course and the other side will be the future site of an amenity that the community has been requesting for years... an Ice Cream Parlor. Upstairs renovations (which are not included in the grant) will be the addition of residential apartments.
“The Main Street Iowa Challenge grants help us revitalize and reinvest in our traditional commercial districts, which is good business,” said IEDA and Iowa Finance Authority Director Debi Durham. “It’s good for our economy and good for our state. These projects will bring new businesses and new residents to our Downtown districts.”
The grants are administered through IEDA’s Iowa Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa programs. The funding will be distributed in the form of matching grants to the selected Main Street programs. The estimated total cost of these 10 projects is over $3.5 million.
“Each of these projects represents growing momentum for Downtown and community revitalization,” said Michael Wagler, state coordinator for the Main Street Iowa program. “This investment in catalytic projects across Iowa will have a significant economic impact and help strengthen local creative placemaking efforts.”
Since the first Challenge Grants were awarded in 2002, about $14.6 million in funds have leveraged more than $68.3 million in further investment.
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Comedy Thursdays with Burlington Riverfront Entertainment
Comedy Thursdays are
back with monthly national touring comics October through May at the Burlington Memorial Auditorium!
Comedy Thursday continues December 7 featuring actor and comedian, Kevin Farley! If you had to do a double-take and are wondering if he's related to the legendary, Chris Farley, the answer is "yes". Kevin is Chris Farley's brother!
Kevin is an actor and comedian with over 100 television and film appearances during his three decade career including award winning shows, like Curb Your Enthusiasm and Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia. For the past 11 years he has been touring the country headlining as a stand up comedian. He splits his time between New York and Florida with his wife and menagerie of small dogs.
General Admission Tickets are just $15. Table seats are $25.
For more information and tickets, visit BurlingtonRiverfront.com.
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Christmas with Jim McDonough & His Orchestra
Celebrate the holiday season in style by attending “Christmas with Jim McDonough & His Orchestra!”
This dazzling event features International Steinway Artist Jim McDonough, alongside his 16-piece professional orchestra, performing spectacular arrangements of everyone’s favorite Christmas music and other all-time hits. The awe-inspiring performance is a grand combination of sensational music and the true spirit of the season. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience one of the Midwest's most treasured holiday traditions!
BURLINGTON, IA
• SAT, DEC. 16 at 7:30 pm
• LOCATION: Memorial Auditorium
• PRESENTED BY: Burlington Civic Music
• TICKETS: $35
Buy online or by phone at (319) 752-0336 or (319) 753-8111
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December at The Capitol
December will be a busy month at the Capitol Performing Arts Center!
Kick of December with the 48 1/2 Anniversary of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, then enjoy a night of Elvis and Anime movies.
Check out their event calendar at BurlingtonCapitolTheater.com.
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Free Skate Rentals at THE RINK
THE RINK will be open this winter and we have FREE SKATE rentals all winter long! Come skate on our synthetic ice inside at Burlington Memorial Auditorium!
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Cheers to a Tight-Knit Holiday
Join the Scavenger Hunt & Bar Crawl on December 9, 11 AM - 3 PM. Prizes & Raffle will start at 4 PM in Farney's. $40 per team of 4. All four members will receive an ugly sweater or sweat suit. Registration open now at Farney's. Participating Bars will be determined soon.
All money raised will be donated to Des Moines County Humane Society.
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Lighted Holiday Parade Thank You!
Thank you to all of the Downtown Partners, Inc. volunteers who helped make the 2023 Lighted Holiday Parade a huge success!
Thank you to our Premier Sponsor: Standard of Beaverdale, Media Sponsor Pritchard Broadcasting, Steve Hexom for announcing, the Des Moines Co. CERT team, Frank Millard & Co., Electronic Engineering, Asbury United Methodist Church for judging, the City of Burlington, Electronic Engineering, the Police Department, Burlington Kiwanis, and all of the participants who took part in the 2023 Lighted Holiday Parade!
The winners are...
1st Place: Donnellson Christmas Elves
2nd Place: IBEW - International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union Local 13
3rd Place: CB Welding & Service Inc
A shout out to Burlington Riverfront Entertainment for the wonderful tree lighting and snowflake decorations at the Riverfront.
Thanks to the Premier Sponsor, Standard of Beaverdale for making the 2023 parade possible!
Thank you to Pritchard Broadcasting for being the Media Sponsor for the Lighted Holiday Parade!
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Iowa Cultural & Entertainment District
The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs has officially designated Downtown Burlington as an Iowa Cultural & Entertainment District. This prestigious recognition highlights the Downtown District as a vibrant hub of cultural activity and artistic expression. This designation application process was made possible through a collaborative effort between the Art Center of Burlington, the Capitol Performing Arts Center, and Downtown Partners, Inc.
The Iowa Cultural & Entertainment Districts program aims to identify and celebrate well-defined, pedestrian-friendly areas within cities, counties that have a rich concentration of cultural amenities, exceptional vibrancy, a robust arts and cultural scene and an established entertainment portfolio. By receiving this designation, Downtown Burlington becomes eligible for a range of benefits, including marketing opportunities, promotional programs, and technical assistance from the Department of Cultural Affairs and its dedicated staff. The designation lasts for 10 years and requires an annual report submission.
This designation will have a positive impact on the quality of life and cultural vitality of Iowa, benefiting a significant number of individuals. By focusing on creating walkable, mixed-use spaces that serve as cultural anchors, the Iowa Cultural & Entertainment Districts program enriches our community and fosters a sense of civic pride. The state of Iowa continues to cultivate its cultural heritage and provide engaging experiences for residents and visitors alike.
For more information, contact Amy Moyner, 319-752-6365.
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Blade Sign Grant
The Downtown Partners, Inc. Business Signage Grant Program, offers applicants up to $300 in matching grant funds for perpendicular “blade” signage for their businesses!
Blade signs have several benefits:
- Accentuating the traditional historic and walkable character of Downtown Burlington.
- Emphasizing the Downtown District as a collection of small, independent, locally owned businesses.
- Adding to the liveliness of the streetscape.
- Freeing up sidewalk space occupied by sandwich board signs.
- Encouraging businesses to explore their individuality and examine their branding.
- Increasing business visibility for potential customers who would otherwise not know anything about the business unless they were directly in front of it.
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Gift Ideas at the Welcome Center
Know someone who might not make it home for the holidays?
Want to spread a little Greater Burlington cheer?
Be sure to put the Port of Burlington Welcome Center on your list of holiday shopping destinations. Choose from unique items including a Sterzing Food Company coin purse, a Snake Alley Christmas ornament, a Greater Burlington coffee mug, and so much more. The Port of Burlington Welcome Center is the place for unique gift ideas this holiday season!
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It's Happening in Downtown Burlington...
Did you know that 21 businesses have opened in Downtown Burlington, Iowa this year?! And more to still come by the end of year! 10 of these are in spaces that have been vacant for years!
Now Open:
Luminaries on Heritage Hill
- Saturday, December 17, Heritage Hill will be lighting up their beautiful luminaries.
Thank you to Zaisers for the beautiful flowers this year!
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Zaisers did a wonderful job with the Downtown flower planters again this year. They are a beautiful part of our vibrant Downtown. We’re grateful for funding from the John H. Witte, Jr. Foundation and Keep Burlington Beautiful that helps make it possible.
Don't miss all of the fun at the Art Center of Burlington
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Visit the Art Center of Burlington for classes, new art installations, and events! It's the perfect place for a date night, girls' night out, or some memorable family fun!
It's Happening all year long at the Capitol Performing Arts Center
The Burlington Public Library has so much scheduled all year long
- There is so much happening at the Burlington Library all summer long! Lots of activities for all ages! Visit the Burlington Public Library Calendar to see what's going on and join in on all the fun!
Grants:
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Downtown Loan Guarantee program IEDA and IFA can provide financial assistance in the form of loan guarantees for eligible Downtown revitalization projects. For more information, visit Downtown Loan Guarantee Program (iowaeda.com)
Thank You:
- We are so thankful for all of the wonderful volunteers and supporters! Downtown Partners, Inc would not be able to host all of the events, tours, and make Downtown so vibrant without you! There are so many hands that help make these events such a success. Thank you to the volunteers, businesses, and community organizations that help create such wonderful memories Downtown!
Love Downtown? Donate Today!
Downtown Partners, Inc. works hard to present special events, to beautify the city center, and to encourage building and business improvement. We hope you will show your support for our activities by contributing at a level that is meaningful to you.
For more information, visit the Downtown Burlington, Iowa Facebook page, reach out to a Board Member, or contact Amy Moyner at 319-208-0056 DONATE HERE.
The Downtown Burlington, Iowa Facebook page has reached 12,000 Followers! We hope you are among them!
The Port of Burlington Welcome Center is open Sunday – Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM. The store is also available ONLINE. Items may be picked up on site, or shipped to any destination in the U.S. Follow the Port of Burlington Welcome Center on Facebook to stay in the know when new products are added.
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Like Us!
Want to keep up to date with Everything Happening in Downtown Burlington? Like and Follow us on Facebook at: Downtown Burlington, Iowa, for daily posts, video, live stream feed, and all of the current events and activities going on DOWNTOWN!
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"Downtown Partners, Inc. is a volunteer-driven Main Street Program established to preserve and revitalize downtown Burlington while improving the quality of life for the community."
A Main Street Iowa Program
An Affiliate Program of the Greater Burlington Partnership
RiverPark Place
610 N 4th Street, Suite 200
Burlington, IA 52601
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Downtown Partners, Inc.
Board of Directors 2023
Mercedes Ponce - Chair
Titan Broadcasting & Digital Group
Todd Darnall - Past Chair
McConnell Lofts
Tom Burch - Treasurer
Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust
Todd Ackerman - Chair Elect
World Insurance
Kansha Tiwari
Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission
Brittany Jacobs
Burlington Public Library
Lynda Graham-Murray
City of Burlington
Elizabeth Pappas
Art Center of Burlington
Vanessa Watson
Great River Health
Suann Wells
The Beancounter
Coffeehouse & Drinkery
Alec Cornick
Universal Fitness
Angie Hedges
Heritage Hill Wellness
Chelsea Stevens
Burlington Vintage & Co.
Jerilyn Horn
Jerilyn Horn Kitchen & Bath Design Company
Jessica Gerling
City of Burlington
Chad Bird
City of Burlington
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