The Downtown RiverMarket will kick off the holiday season with a day of entertainment and fun on December 7, all leading up to The Downtown Monroe Alliance and Community Trust Bank’s a VERY MERRY COMMANDER CHRISTMAS FEATURING THE STARS OF DUCK DYNASTY on December 14, 2013.
On December 7, the RiverMarket will be open for from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Cross presents Family Christmas entertainment, to be enjoyed during Lunch with Santa at 11:00 a.m. Children are invited to come meet, eat, and greet with jolly St. Nick. The Christmas Pet Parade will begin at 1:00 p.m. Bring your pets dressed in cheery Christmas gear and join in on the fun!
The RiverMarket will host a variety of vendors that day, serving up delicious eats such as funnel cakes, frito pies, chili dogs, and chicken on a stick. There will also be unique crafts like handmade holiday décor, face painting, and a spacewalk activity to keep the entertainment going.
On December 14, the morning of events will begin with a live, acoustic performance by musical sensation Tony Pasko at 10:00 a.m. For more than 25 years, Tony’s performing background and knowledge of musical products, sounds, and styles has set him apart and given him the opportunity to work and perform with some of the greatest musicians in the industry. Tony currently writes music for hit T.V. shows on A&E, Spike TV, & Syfy. His music is featured on A&E’s No.1 rated TV show Duck Dynasty, Season 2.
Following Pasko’s performance will be a live show by Avery Michaels and the Exit 209 Band at 12:00 p.m. While incorporating an underlying tone of 80’s country and still keeping the style current, Avery Michaels and Exit 209 are real showmen. They are sure to toss in the occasional rock and booty song to keep the crowd up and engaged. With his special Duck Dynasty tribute, “That’s A Fact Jack”, Avery Michaels will have the crowd swaying and singing along.
The talented students from the Missy Crain Dance Studio will also be making an appearance at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., performing a special Duck Dynasty ensemble to “Sharp Dressed Man”.
Commander Christmas attendees will be seeing double at the Stars of Duck Dynasty Look-A-Like contest at 2:00 p.m. Participants can choose to dress up like Uncle Si, Jase, Mrs. Kay, or any of their other favorite cast members to compete for the prize. Winners will be chosen from all age groups, and the contest will be judged by Duck Dynasty’s own Sadie and John Luke Robertson. Willie Robertson will be presiding over the award ceremony honoring Sadie and John Luke’s top picks of the day. Enter now by donation or by bringing canned goods to benefit the Food Bank!
The Duck Commander Duck Derby will begin at 3:30 p.m. near the Endom Bridge, where thousands of rubber ducks will be released to float freely past the market area. To get competitors in the spirit of the race, Charles Martindale will provide “Music in a Duck Call”. This unique and talented entertainer will be playing the sounds and songs of the race, to be enjoyed by all that are cheering on the ducks and enjoying the beautiful riverside. Ducks can be purchased at any Community Trust Bank location, and the goal is to sell 30,000 ducks to benefit the Northeast Louisiana Food bank. Single ducks will be sold for $5, the $25 Quacker package includes six ducks, and the $400 Big Quacker package contains 100 ducks. Go to www.CommanderChristmas.com to purchase your ducks for the big race!
The Flotilla line up will start at 4:30 p.m.at Forsythe Park, and the parade will begin at 5:30 p.m., making its way to The Downtown RiverMarket. All boats sizes 29’ and under, 30’ to 39’, 40’ to 59’, and 60’ and over are welcome to participate in the parade, though any boats not taking part in the Flotilla will not be allowed near the area during that time. Floats will be covered in twinkling lights, featuring different themes and characters for the audience’s enjoyment. There is an entry fee of $25 and a limit of 30 entries, so early registration is encouraged. Participants include the Stars of Duck Dynasty, the ULM Ski team, the Boy Scouts, Egret Landing, Glen Northcott, Scott Cummings, The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco Free Living, Joey Neitz, Benson Bagwell, Ronnie Lucius, Jim Taylor Chevy, Century Ready Mix, Apropos Salon and Spa, Scott Equipment, Deryl Cole, and Johnny’s Pizza House.
The Flotilla will be followed by a Laser Light show by Daystar International. The exciting, 30-minute laser event will feature a colorful array of beams, upbeat music, high graphic video art, and attention grabbing sound effects. The Community Trust Bank sponsored presentation begins at 7:30 PM and will be viewable from both sides of the Ouachita River. The light show and Flotilla will both air live on KTVE.
The light show will lead into a live, musical performance by the Trey Hawkins Band. The Trey Hawkins Band is one of the hottest and most recognized groups in the world of up and coming musicians. Performing a unique mix of blues, soul, and grassroots country, the Trey Hawkins Band will present an interesting and new take on great, southern music. The show will be a celebration of Universal Music Group Nashville’s release of the stars of Duck Dynasty Christmas Album “Duck the Halls: a Robertson Family Christmas”. The album will be available for purchase at the RiverMarket on December 14 during the events.
During the excitement and bustle of Commander Christmas events, over 100 vendors will be offering special items to celebrate the start of the holiday season. Shoppers will find handmade Christmas ornaments and decorations to take home as gifts or souvenirs. Hand crafted jewelry and children’s clothes will make a one-of-a-kind and thoughtful gift to give that special someone this holiday season. Handmade furniture will be sold, offering beautiful detail, art, and style to RiverMarket guests looking for the perfect piece to complete a room. The market will also be offering delicious, homemade food and spirits for shoppers to enjoy. Vendors are excited to be serving Commander Christmas specials like camo funnel cakes and commander corn dogs. Shoppers and Commander Christmas attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the holiday fun, food, and shopping while enjoying the spectacular view of historic, downtown Monroe on the riverside.
For entry forms and information regarding the events, please visit www.CommanderChristmas.com or call 318-329-4947.
