ST. GEORGE — George, Streetfest on Main and St. George City are combining holiday celebrations Friday, from 6-10 p.m., at Historic Downtown as “First Friday” takes on a holiday flavor.

The return of the “Gingerbread Tour” has downtown merchants drafting, crafting, baking and making edible masterpieces for display and voting that begins Tuesday.

Vying for a coveted rotating trophy, currently held by 2014 winner Judd’s Store, the 2015 Gingerbread Tour champion will be determined this year by votes collected at locations by ballot, online and on social media.

Ballot collection will take place at 8 p.m. with the winner announced by Mayor Jon Pike at the Main Stage at 8:45 p.m. Vote online or on Facebook.

Throughout the evening, DJ Lex will keep holiday choirs and carolers hopping on the Main Stage, with Soul What!? headlining at 9 p.m. Lead singer Alice Erickson said crowds can expect a few holiday surprises from the band at this performance.

For youth, St. George City will offer a visit with Santa, carousel rides and a variety of craft stations for kids at Town Square. Tabernacle Street will light up with DJ Spinz and his youth dance party. Spinz promises to keep families moving and entertained by a variety of interactive dance performances throughout the evening.

Tabernacle Street and the George Jr. Village also offer a climbing wall for kids, games and youth activities hosted by Habitat for Humanity and the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Zion Brewing Company Jazz Garden will add the soulful sounds of a singer of classic standards, offering an old-fashioned Christmas concert at Ancestor Square Courtyard.

“It’ll be like having our own Bing Crosby Christmas at the Jazz Garden,” said Carlyle Potter of house band West Coast Jazz Players. “This is a really neat venue for adults to come and enjoy quality jazz music and some of southern Utah’s finest foods.”

In addition to beer, wine and a variety of beverage options, Benja’s Thai Garden is planning to serve up sushi and warm sake rice wine, George’s Corner returns with Frito Sliders and Painted Pony with hot bacon-wrapped dates.

To keep crowds warm, the St. George City Fire Department will line the street with fire barrels. Farmers Market will serve complimentary hot wassail at Ancestor Square, with plenty of hot chocolate options at the Robert J. Debry Food Truck Village on Main Street.

“We are excited to bring the City’s Christmas activities together with the Gingerbread Tour on the first Friday this December,” Pike said. “Adding to the festivity at Historic Downtown, we hope families will come enjoy some hot cocoa, children’s crafts, a carousel ride and a visit with Santa at Town Square.”

Recipients of the Supporting Artists with Vision Scholarship sponsored by Richens Eye Center in December are Lynne Clark-Brunson and her son Matt Clark.

Lynne will feature her historical photo book, “Images of Faith,” and Matt will showcase his metal sculpture works of art. Both artists are scheduled to offer products for purchase.

This month, in place of the normal passport, attendees will use a Fun Map, which can be downloaded here.

Entertainment lineup

• 6 p.m.
  • Main Stage: George, Streetfest event launch, Canyon Media emcee
  • Town Square: Elementary school choirs
  • Jazz Garden opens at Ancestor Square Courtyard featuring appetizer service by Painted Pony, Benja’s Thai Garden and George’s Corner
• 6:15 p.m.
  • Main Stage: DJ Lex and Bloomington Elementary Choir
• 6:30 p.m.
  • Jazz Garden: Live jazz performance begins at Jazz Garden
• 7 p.m.
  • Main Stage: Desert Hills High School Jazz Band
  • Jazz Garden: Crooner Jim Griffiths performs vocal jazz tunes
• 8 p.m.
  • Main Stage: St. George News TV personalities emcee
  • Jazz Garden: house band performs Christmas Jazz
• 8:15 p.m.
  • Main Stage: Leisure EEEE’s perform vocal holiday ensemble
• 8:45 p.m.
  • Main Stage: 2015 Gingerbread Tour winner announced, trophy presentation
• 9 p.m.
  • Main Stage: Soul What!? performs

Gingerbread Tour participants

• George’s Corner
• Painted Pony
• Art & Soul Gallery
• Farmers Market
• Cappelletti’s
• Twenty–Five Main
• Children’s Museum
• Wide Angle Gallery
• Main Street Antiques
• One Hot Grill

About George, Streetfest

George, Streetfest is a “First Friday” event designed to celebrate the best of Southern Utah. From 6-10 p.m., participants enjoy a free signature street concert, buskers, goods sold by local artists, a farmers market and the community engagement Passport to the City program.

The Zion Brewing Company Jazz Garden is open to adults 21 and over, features a live jazz band and is located outdoors at the Ancestor Square Courtyard.

George Streetfest is presented by Historic Downtown St. George and Emceesquare Media & Events.

Event sponsors are St. George City, St. George Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and Downtown Merchants Group. Additional sponsors include St. George News, Canyon Media, The Independent, Richens Eye Center, Simister Orthodontics, Wingate by Windham Hotel, Habitat for Humanity Restore, Stapley Pharmacy, Robert J. Debry and Associates, Remax Apple Group, SGI Mortgage, TDS Telecom, Zion Brewing Company and Etched Magazine.

In the event of inclement weather, the Jazz Garden will move inside the Ancestor Square Tower Building.

With recently renewed support and sponsorship of St. George City and the St. George Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, George, Streetfest has received the nod to continue every first Friday through 2016.

This new nightlife event in Southern Utah is designed to offer something for everyone. Jan. 1 will feature a New Year’s Day Masquerade led by DJ Lex and his Amazing Steam Powered Music Machine.

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