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Find your holiday spirit in Ashland Ashland Chamber of Commerce logo Monday Nov 7, 2016 at 8:10 PM Nov 7, 2016 at 8:10 PM By Dana Preston Ashland Chamber of Commerce The 24th annual Festival of Light kicks off Friday, Nov. 25, the day after Thanksgiving. We invite you to shop local and celebrate the holidays in Ashland. Each year the Ashland Chamber and Visitor and Convention Bureau light and decorate the town through generous support of our sponsors and partnership with the city of Ashland. From the historic, refurbished red lanterns on East Main Street and the winter banners on Lithia Way, to the snowflakes on Ashland Street and the wreaths and bows that adorn downtown, these decorations are made possible by the Ashland Chamber with support from sponsorship from the private and public sector. The Festival of Light begins in the afternoon on Nov. 25 with carolers strolling throughout town. Emcee Livia Genise of Livia Genise Productions welcomes community members and visitors from the balcony at the Brickroom beginning at 4 p.m. Santa’s parade begins at 5 p.m. at the Ashland Public Library and makes its way to the Plaza for the Grand Illumination where Santa lights more than one million lights with thousands in attendance. Kids can visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Black Swan Theatre at the corner of East Main and Pioneer from 6:15 to 8 p.m. Create memories and start your own tradition at the Festival of Light. Shop local and support our independent businesses for all of your holiday needs. The Ashland Chamber of Commerce encourages you to support independently owned businesses for the holidays. For two years, the Ashland Chamber of Commerce has produced a coupon book for the holidays. This year, the book has expanded and is now the Holiday Gift Guide full of specials, events and fun opportunities for celebrating the holidays with local businesses. Pick yours up at the Ashland Chamber beginning Nov. 25. New this year is Give Back Wednesdays. Our independent businesses give back to the community all throughout the year and are inviting you to help them further their efforts on Wednesday, Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14. Participating businesses, found on ashlandchamber.com/livelocal after Nov. 16, are making a contribution to the Ashland Community Hospital Foundation, Ashland Emergency Food Bank and Ashland Schools Foundation, on their respective Wednesdays. Shop, dine and play local on Give Back Wednesdays at participating businesses and help be a part of the important role our local businesses and community organizations play in our community. Ashland Chamber Gift Certificates make great gifts for the holidays and are good at over 40 locations in Ashland. Enjoy the benefits of giving local this holiday season. Gift certificates can be purchased for any dollar amount at the Ashland Chamber office or online. Dining out this holiday season? You can find a list of holiday hours and openings for local restaurants on www.ashlandchamber.com, in addition to all event information, community events and resources. As you celebrate this holiday season in Ashland, please remember to think small business and shop local while taking time to enjoy all the wonders of Ashland in our beautiful town. Thank you! Dana Preston is membership development manager for the Ashland Chamber of Commerce. For more information, go to www.ashlandchamber.com, call 541-482-3486 or stop by the office at 110 East Main St.