DEVCO Approves $300k for “Small Town, Big Christmas” in Bolivar

The Bolivar Downtown Development Corporation (DEVCO) approved spending $300,000 to fund “Small Town, Big Christmas” in Bolivar, beginning this Christmas season.

Bolivar’s Community Development and Tourism Director Dylan Hill pitched the idea to DEVCO board members at their March meeting. The “Small Town, Big Christmas” program is planned to include a drive through light display, a synthetic ice skating rink, a giant slide, trackless train rides, musical entertainment, a decorated Christmas tree, a nativity scene, photo ops throughout Bolivar, concessions, and more.

Mr. Hill requested $272,000 for year one expenses, but DEVCO board members decided to increase the amount of funding by allocating $300,000 for the project.

“We’re excited that DEVCO believes in the vision that we have for this year’s Christmas festival. So many big things are coming with this. It will certainly rival anything in our regional area. I’m most excited about the potential for our small businesses in the area. Hopefully, this really increases business for our restaurants, gift shops, and other businesses,” commented Mr. Hill.

The majority of the $300,000 expense will go towards purchasing equipment, some of which may also be used at other events throughout the year.

“Small Town, Big Christmas” events are expected to take place throughout the month of December in the Bolivar city limits.

In 2007, the Bolivar Downtown Development Corporation (DEVCO) was formed to support the city and county governments in guiding growth and reinvestment in downtown Bolivar. DEVCO is funded through The Courthouse Square Revitalization Act of 2005 which allows Bolivar to capture a portion of the downtown sales tax to fund revitalization projects.

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