Join the merchants of downtown Rochester on Monday, Dec. 2 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. when they offer their customers Lagniappe (Creole for “a little something extra”) in appreciation for their support throughout the year.
The Rochester Downtown Development Authority (DDA) also will offer some Lagniappe with the debut of The Big, Bright Light Show. The program will begin at 6:45 p.m. on E. Fourth Street with help from the Mayor, Channel 7’s Dave LewAllen and a special appearance by the man in red, Santa Claus himself, sponsored by Studio One Salon. The lights will officially light-up downtown Rochester at 7:00 pm. Make sure to bring your cameras because kids will then have the opportunity to share their Christmas lists with Santa from 7:15 – 9:00 pm. 
“Lagniappe has become a tradition in Downtown Rochester”, said Stephanie Hellebuyck, Events Coordinator of the Rochester Downtown Development Authority. “It’s what kicks off the holiday season and it gets people excited for the events to come like the Kris Kringle Market and Christmas Parade!”
As part of Lagniappe, the DDA is partnering with Rochester Area Neighborhood House on “Kicks for a Cause,” to help the kids in our community with a basic need many take for granted – shoes and socks. Please bring new shoes or socks in any sizes to the corner of E. Fourth & Main from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Help us “kick” off the season by making the holidays merry & bright for the kids in our community. All types of shoes and socks are needed – athletic, casual and dress.
In addition, free horse-drawn carriage rides sponsored by Somerset Lending Corp. will be available at E. Third and Walnut Street. The rides will run from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
There will be a number of free holiday music performances to help visitors get into the holiday spirit; the Meadow Brook Carolers, Kincer Catallo Private Voice Studio, and more!
Following Lagniappe, The Big, Bright Light Show will run nightly from 5:00 pm – midnight through Jan. 5, 2014. Also, don’t forget the Kris Kringle Market, an open-air holiday market, Friday, Dec. 6 through Saturday, Dec. 7, located between Walnut and Main Street on West Fourth.
For more information on all Rochester DDA events, please call (248) 656.0060 or visit www.DowntownRochesterMI.com.
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