MUSCATINE, Iowa–With lights and displays in the windows of shops downtown and the first snow of the year on the books, it has started to feel a lot like the holiday season in Muscatine. To welcome in the most wonderful time of the year, Pearl City Media will host its second annual Jingle and Mingle: A Holiday Stroll on Second Street in Downtown Muscatine Dec. 2.
In the spirit of bringing the holidays to life for everyone from children to seasoned Muscatine residents, the Jingle and Mingle looks to continue some of Muscatine’s favorite holiday activities and introduce some new ones as well. As Pearl City Media President Chris Anderson put it, the Jingle and Mingle keeps, “carrying on a community tradition and bringing new life to it.”
As in the past, the evening will begin with the community tree lighting in front of MidWestOne (formerly First National Bank). Families can then take part in a variety of classic events. Because no holiday outing would feel complete without a visit with Santa, kids can get their photo taken with the jolly elf himself at Tiny’s Tunes. People may also stop outside of Sherwin Williams to watch Miss Louise’s talented window dancers perform.
For the first time ever, the Jingle and Mingle will have live reindeer on site for everyone to come and meet. Located in the Ruhl & Ruhl parking lot, these magical creatures straight from the North Pole will make everyone’s night.
Anyone looking to pick up some gifts during their night out can stop at many stores with extended hours just for the Jingle and Mingle. The Muskie Bands Nut House will open its doors so that shoppers can purchase delicious Koze nuts or chocolatey treats that make perfect presents or snacks to serve while entertaining. The Merrill Soap company will have some of its best loved holiday soaps for sale and will do giveaways throughout the evening as well.
If people get hungry, many downtown eateries will welcome them with open arms. The Muscatine Waffle and Pancake House will have an outstanding selection of holiday dishes perfect for anyone wanting a little breakfast for dinner. Trinity Episcopal Church will have hearty soups available by the bowlful to help strollers warm up and fill up as they enjoy the nights festivities.
For those looking to have a good time, Pr%f Social will host its first ugly sweater contest, and they hope to see people decked out in their wackiest knitwear. Muscatine Power and Water will bring back their popular lit truck for everyone to enjoy and will also give away their signature calendars. S & R landscaping looks to mingle with the community as well at their outdoor display. The Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry will also hold an enormous plinko game.
With so many events taking place, Pearl City Media has made it easy to keep track of them with an interactive map on their website. QR codes placed up and down Second Street will also make it a snap for people to pull up the map and locate the next attraction they would like to see.
A night of fun for everyone reminiscent of a Hallmark movie infused with the special charm that only Muscatine has, Anderson would like to top the gathering of over 4,000 people that took place last year. “We’d love to see everybody in town down here enjoying what downtown has to offer.”
