Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Nov. 19, 2024 – The 2024 Downtown Jonesboro JoyFest, hosted by the Downtown Jonesboro Alliance (DJA), has even more fun in store this year, featuring new attractions and artists.
This free annual event will be Dec. 7 starting at 3 p.m. along the greater Union Street Park area in Downtown Jonesboro.
Live performances on the Hytrol Stage will begin at 4 p.m., including performances by the Foundation of Arts, The Link Theatre, Cory Jackson, Chieftain Lane Revival, and Turnips Greens. The RightFiber Christmas tree lighting will begin around 5:30 p.m.
“We will have over 50 unique vendors this year,” said Downtown Jonesboro Alliance Executive Director Sarah Doss.
Other attractions include the awesome Kids’ Zone, Barton’s Village, Snowflake Lane sponsored by St. Bernards Medical Center, the Giant Snow Globe, Pictures with Santa, the Coke Cola Bear and more.
Doss also noted that they will be adding a carousel to their list of rides, including the Ferris wheel, teacups, miniature train and the ice-skating rink.
“The rides will be from Dec. 6-15 with a sneak peek on the 6th with everyone down there for the Christmas parade. However, the Ferris wheel will only be until the 10th because it is committed to another event and has to leave a few days earlier,” Doss said, adding that she is still waiting on final calendar from the Parks Department that will have the exact dates for the ice skating and train.
She also added that while JoyFest is absolutely free to attend, there will be a small fee for these rides and price will vary by attraction.
“Our mission for this year’s event is to collect blankets,” Doss said. “We have partnered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a local non-profit that make beds kids in need, and we will be donating all the blankets that we collect to them.”
Although they are trying to reach a goal of 100 twin-sized blankets, she said they will also be collecting twin-size sheets, standard pillows and cases, etc., and monetary donations as well.
Donations can be dropped off before the event at the DJA office, located at 407 Union St., or at Running Threads Screen Printing and Embroidery, located at 3425 E. Highland Dr.
For more information, follow the DJA Facebook page.