To the Editor:

As the President of the Downtown Davidson Inc. and manager of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, I would like to acknowledge the many people whose hard work helped to create a wonderful Christmas in Davidson 2009.

I imagine very few people really understand the work that goes on behind the scenes of Christmas in Davidson, or where this wonderful event came from.

Thank you to Angie Blashaw and the rest of Davidson’s Parks & Recreation; Margaret Martens, Sandy Lemons and Sara-Lynne Levine with the Town of Davidson; Doug Wright and the public works department; the fire and police departments; the Davidson garden club (which has provided our lovely hanging baskets for years); and to the local merchants and citizens who helped to fund and plan North Mecklenburg’s largest event.

This was my 16th Christmas in Davidson.  It’s hard to even think that far back. I began my career part-time at Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream in 1993 – one month after the scoop shop opened. By 1997, I became its full-time manager.  In 1998, I joined many local merchants on the Christmas in Davidson planning committee.  I had no idea what it took to put on such an event. I imagine very few people really understand the work that goes on behind the scenes of Christmas in Davidson, or where this wonderful event came from. If you will indulge me, here’s some history.

Christmas in Davidson was started in 1989 by Irene Blackwell of the Village Store, Elaine McArn from the Needlecraft Center, and Barbara Freund of Main Street Books. With a budget of $2,000, these three store owners spearheaded downtown Davidson’s first three-night holiday event. According to notes from the original meeting, their goal was to create something unique that would “draw people to the Main Street businesses” and present a positive image of our beautiful town to these visitors.

The past two decades have seen this merchant-driven event turn into a truly amazing happening that heralds the beginning of the holiday season for many in Mecklenburg County and beyond. Christmas in Davidson attracts thousands of visitors with its carriage rides, Santa’s House, live nativity, strolling carolers, as well as many other family-friendly activities.

Needless to say, both the planning — and the budget — for Christmas in Davidson have grown significantly over the years. Work on the event often begins in late spring. And in the weeks leading up to the festivities, a multitude of town employees and volunteers log countless hours setting up lights, decorations, banners, extra trash receptacles, luminaria, parking signs — everything needed to prepare Davidson for its yearly holiday debut.

See a photo gallery from Christmas in Davidson 2009, CLICK HERE>

We are all lucky that we can rely on the generosity of local businesses, property owners, and individuals to fund this wonderful event. Many people don’t realize how expensive such an endeavor is; for instance, our horse-drawn carriages — one of the event’s most popular attractions for years, as well as one of its most expensive — are not fully covered by the fees charged for rides. It’s the generosity of the event sponsors that allow us to enjoy this activity, as well as many others.

In closing, I would like to again thank the many people who have helped to create another memorable Davidson holiday event. The efforts and talents of a large and diverse group have facilitated a magnificent event. If you see these people on the streets of Davidson be sure to thank them for all their efforts.

Karen Toney
President of DDI
Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop Manager