Downtown renewal group looks to spread cheer with free carriage rides

By AMANDA PODGORNY

Re:New DeKalb and The National Bank & Trust Company are teaming up to offer free carriage rides this season.

The rides will be offered the next three Saturdays, said Lindsey Engelsman, marketing and special events coordinator of Re:New DeKalb.

“It’s on a first-come, first-serve basis,” Engelsman said. “[The National Bank & Trust Company] allows us to use its lobby for people to wait in.”

Kurt Schweitzer, branch manager of The National Bank & Trust Company, 155 N. Third St., said they have been working on holiday events with Re:New DeKalb for four or five years.

The carriage rides run from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Dec. 6, 13 and 20 starting at The National Bank & Trust Company.

After taking a ride, children are offered the chance to visit with Santa at his house located on the corner of Second Street and Locust Street.This Saturday, Santa will be available from 11 a.m. until noon and then will be at the ice skating rink from noon until 2 p.m. Kids skate free this Saturday and adult admission is $4.