"Christmas on the Square" preparations underway

It's not too difficult for anyone to find Blacksburg Mayor David Hogue.

Having the opportunity to have his cake and eat it too, the mayor can be found around town making sure everything is well around the municipality or putting on the hits with his longtime bandmates in the Iron City Band.

But this holiday season, Hogue may adopt another title — Santa Claus.

"Everyone believes I'm him all other times during the year, so why not be him during the Christmas season," Hogue said.

Hogue may make an appearance as Kris Kringle during Blacksburg's annual Christmas on the Square event Dec. 4. Hosted every year by the Blacksburg Business Association (BBA), the event gives local residents an opportunity to enjoy the town's historic area and the company of neighbors.

"This is something that Blacksburg residents look forward to every year," Hogue said. "It's a good way to show off our city."

The event will be held at the intersection of North Shelby and West Cherokee streets in downtown Blacksburg. Businesses will have complimentary refreshments on hand, along with musicians and choral participants providing holiday music.

Hogue will preside over a tree-lighting ceremony, officially kicking off holiday festivities in Blacksburg.

Iron City Ministries will also be on hand to take nonperishable food items to help families having a tough go of things during the holiday season.

Preparations are in high gear as the event draws closer, Hogue said.

"Things are really coming along and a lot of people have chipped in time and effort," Hogue said. "This is something you can't do alone, and it's great to see people like (Blacksburg) Police Chief Jamie Ham and others take up a big role in this."

Blacksburg has made it a point to hold more events in the downtown area, such as car shows, street dances and the Trick-or Treat event held shortly after Halloween.

"We're doing all we can to get people downtown," Hogue said. "Hopefully, we could see more things go on throughout the year."