On Saturday, December 2nd, the City of Liberty and Historic Downtown Liberty held its annual Liberty Hometown Holidays event. There were fun and festive activities for the whole family along Water Street. A Small Market was at The Copper Canary, a market and boutique. Younger children could shop for gifts for their parents as a show of appreciation. There was a petting zoo with a donkey, llama, sheep, and goat. The animals were very affectionate towards the people who came to show them love. Children were also able to take their picture with Santa at Mama & Me Children’s Boutique. 

   Stores around the square held special sales and giveaways. DJ’s Toys and Treasures had a sale on their vintage toys, and James County Mercantile held a sale on fabric. The Artisan Market hosted an art market from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Art pieces and handmade items created by local artists were available for purchase. KC Blooms had free hot chocolate, marshmallows, and cookies for kids. The “Downtown Liberty Passport Challenge” was held by Historic Downtown Liberty Inc. (HDLI).” The Hometown Holiday attendees could pick up a passport from the HDLI office and collect signatures by stopping into different participating shops. After 12 signatures, they could submit their passport for the chance to win a $100 HDLI gift card to be used at any store in Downtown Liberty. 

On the night of the Hometown Holidays, it was also the Mayor’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. There has been a huge Christmas tree set up for a few weeks where the fountain is. It’s been decorated with lots of lights and ornaments, but it was not yet lit. The mayor gave a speech about the community and local organizations, such as the Liberty Community Christmas Tree, before lighting the tree. He and his family took pictures with the newly lit tree and then invited others to do the same.