The small towns that are spread across America often struggle to draw visitors in during the holiday season, with most wanting to shop and experience the hustle and bustle the big city has to offer. Small towns are often left behind for a more exciting affair. However, small towns can supply something the larger ones seem to miss out on, which is a warm and welcoming atmosphere, a personal touch and that “Hallmark” feeling of Christmas.

Lewisburg Mayor Tina Callahan-Dye is promoting just that in her small city. She says she wants Lewisburg to become a destination for visitors and wants to involve the whole community to make that happen.

“It’s always been my vision during the Christmas holidays to make Lewisburg like a Halmark movie and it has been just that,” said Callahan-Dye. “These last two weeks have been beautiful and we have been able to decorate the town.”

Callahan-Dye said homemade flags have been hung on telephone poles through the city, ones not made from china, but straight from Lewisburg. “We are taking pride in ourselves and our small town,” said the mayor, adding “We still have more decorations to put up, but we are getting there. It’s a community coming together.”

One of the events Callahan-Dye is promoting is “Shop Small,” which is held Saturday, Nov. 24. “We are really pushing this. We want you to keep it local if you can. Support your Lewisburg businesses and your neighbors,” said Callahan-Dye, who feels like everyone wants to spend all their time running to Owensboro and Bowling Green to shop. “Why go to Owensboro and get something that you can get just as nice here?”

The mayor says the small towns are dying out and she wants people to come to Lewisburg as a destination.

One of the ways the mayor thinks can accomplish this is the city’s Christmas parade which is different than a lot of parades as it is held at night and the floats are adorn with Christmas lights.

“There are people who have never seen a night time parade. I want people to say I want to go to Lewisburg. They will be welcomed here,” said the mayor, adding, “From here on out, it’s crazy for everyone shopping, visiting family and working. You need to stop for just a second and appreciate what is around you and make a memory.”

Callahan-Dye says you have to build a strong community. “Sometimes you just have a pocket of people interested, but I would like everyone to become involved. People are volunteering that have never volunteered before and they have been helping this year,” said the mayor.

One campaign the mayor will be kicking off next year is “Everyone is Lewisburg.” Callahan-Dye says, “The people in this town are the town and they make it wonderful and positive.”

The mayor has organized several events this holiday season for those who live in the city of Lewisburg and for those who want to visit.

“The City of Lewisburg is hosting the ‘Small Town Christmas 2012!’ We welcome you to join in all our festivities as we come together to celebrate this wonderful time of the year! This year’s theme, ‘Small Town Christmas,’ is to encourage each of us to take time out from the chaos that we all find ourselves in and reconnect with our neighbors and community. We hope you will find something to take part in and make another wonderful memory of your Small Town, Lewisburg,” said Mayor Callahan-Dye.

Friday Night Flicks- Dec. 7 at 6 p.m.

The animated picture Arthur Christmas will be shown at the Lewisburg City Complex. The entire family will have a great time making a Christmas ornament and enjoying hot chocolate and cookies while watching this holiday movie. Each child there will also receive a special surprise.

Caroling and Cocoa in the Park- Dec. 8 at 4:30 p.m.

Gather in the Lions Club Pavilion in McKinney Park with your family, friends and neighbors and enjoy hot cocoa and caroling.

Parade of Lights- Dec. 8 at 5 p.m.

You are invited to participate in the 4th Annual Lewisburg Christmas Parade of Lights. This year’s theme is “Small Town Christmas”. Just think of all the creative things you can do with color, lights and sound. We ask that all groups prepare a float that is illuminated. Your float will be judged, so be as festive as possible. A plaque will be given to the first 20 entries. The Best in Show cash prize of $50 will be awarded after the parade at the Community Christmas Party at the City Complex.

The parade will begin at 5 p.m. Dec. 8. Everyone wishing to have your float judged should be lined up on Industrial Drive by 4:15 p.m. Judging will begin at 4: 30 p.m. All other entries may line up between 4:15 and 4:50 p.m. If you have a tractor that needs to be unloaded, please unload the tractor at the empty lot next to Gower’s Drug Store and drive your tractor to Industrial Drive. Entry forms may be picked up at the Lewisburg City Hall and Logan County Chamber of Commerce.

Community Christmas Potluck Party- Dec. 8 at 6 p.m.

After the Parade of Lights join the party. We will have our Community Christmas Party at the City Complex. Please bring a covered dish and enjoy food and fellowship with your neighbors. The complex will be opened at 4 p.m. so you may drop your dish off there before heading downtown. Special Christmas music will be provided by Tim Harris and games will be played with prizes from our local businesses. Santa will also be there to visit with everyone.