A Very Neenah Christmas annual event returns to downtown Neenah’s streets Friday from 6 to 8 p.m.

The event started in 1998, according to Pamela Barnes, Future Neenah Events Coordinator, when one business owner brought up the idea of hosting a live-mannequin display. Year after year since the first live-mannequin display, downtown Neenah businesses expanded to more family-friendly fun and creative and unique mannequin displays.

The event begins Friday with a Rudolph Run sponsored by Community First Credit Union concluding with the annual lighting of the community Christmas tree with a sing-along at 6:15 p.m. Businesses will host a variety of activities from an appearance from the Claus family inside Associated Bank, Fox Valley Christian Academy’s bell choir inside Subway, marshmallow roasting sponsored by Pump N’Munch at Future Neenah, 135 West Wisconsin Avenue, and, of course, the live-mannequin displays. Check out the below businesses for their unique displays.

Anu/Tom Lyons Bookstore                             Knox Furniture

Pastry Pixie                                                         Lucy’s Closet Pet Boutique

Red Door Mercantile                                        The Ballroom at the Reserve

Bellwether Interior Design                              Memorial Florists

Bill Paul Limited                                                Uncorked

Timshel Cafe                                                       Town Council

Cheveux Salon and Spa                                    Vintique

Cranked Bike Studio                                         Greene’s Pour House

Edward Jones                                                     Radiance Spa

Bon Voyage Travel                                             Investment Planners, Inc.

Elements Unleashed                                          Holts Jewelry

Epic: A Modern Salon                                       Hang-Up Gallery

Great Harvest Bread

The event is free for all families through numerous community donors throughout the year. Donations in red boxes outside the live-mannequin displays also fund the event. Future Neenah suggests families to place a dollar or two in the red box located outside their favorite mannequin windows as a vote. The business with the most money in their red box will be awarded the “People’s Choice Award,” according to Future Neenah’s event website where more information can be found about the event.