For the last couple of years, MainX24 planners have tended to focus on events for adults. After hearing from attendees last year, they've put a renewed emphasis on also having things for kids to do at this year's 24-hour giant neighborhood block party, set for Saturday, Dec. 6, on the Southside.
If You Go> What: MainX24 community festival.> When: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, to 8 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7.> Where: Main Street/Southside area.> Admission: Free.> Website: mainx24.com.
In addition to the 100 or so main events - which include parades, live music, shopping, a chili cook-off and a Big Wheel Race for adults - there will be a Kids Zone at the Craftworks building with a concert and storytelling with Mrs. Claus.
"We've really ramped up the things for kids this year," says Amanda Carmichael, co-owner of Mace+Carmichael public relations.
Visitors can stroll up and down Main Street and check out the shops, many of which have demonstrations, pop-up galleries or special displays. Chattanooga Whiskey will have a "Big Surprise Drop-in at The Hot Chocolatier, and you can get a 10-minute massage at Yinyasa House Acupuncture & Wellness Center.
MainX24 was started in 2006 by CreateHere as a way to bring people to the Southside and to show that Chattanooga could be a 24-hour town. It hasn't quite succeeded on that front, but has been a big success everywhere else.
"We don't have anything really in the 3-to-6 a.m. slot, but I think it has gone beyond [that goal] and it is more just showing that it's more a town that can come together and make something like MainX24 happen," says Carmichael, who has been involved with organizing the event for the last four years.
While several people handle tasks such as publicity, scheduling and communication, the events themselves are produced by residents, business owners and volunteers.
"The only rule we have," Carmichael says "is that if you come up with the idea, you have to [plan and produce] it. We have 100 events, so it's like having 100 different party planners."
Offerings change from year to year because of continued development in the district.
"It's just pretty neat that it continues to grow every year," Carmichael says.
Saturday's events will include the Art Bike Rodeo, Mutt Strut, a holiday bow-making demonstration, specials at area shops and live, late night/early morning music at Clyde's On Main, The Terminal, Track 29 and Flying Squirrel.
Blue Orleans will host Mardi Gras on Main Street from 10 p.m to 2 a.m.
Things wrap up on Sunday morning with the Grand Finale Breakfast hosted by Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise, 1500 Chestnut St.
Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.