BENTONVILLE — The square will transform into a child’s Christmas dream today as the final First Friday brings Toyland to downtown.
Downtown Bentonville Inc. will team with Walmart for the annual event showcasing the year’s hottest toys from companies such as Disney, Fisher-Price, Hasbro and Pacific Cycle.
At A Glance
Bentonville In Toyland Schedule
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: Cheerful Givers Northwest Arkansas Birthday Bag Blitz
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: Radio Disney entertainment
4-8 p.m.: Bentonville Police dispatchers’ used cellphone collection
4:30 p.m.: Minnie’s Bow-Tique Extravaganza, followed by a dance party
5:30 p.m.: Wish Upon a Star Disney Princess Party and Parade, followed by a dance party
6 p.m.: Disney Channel star Coco Jones, followed by a meet and greet
7:10 p.m.: Radio Disney Dance Party
Source: Staff Report
Children can play with demo toys while their parents quiz vendors on prices and specifications at booths that will stretch for blocks around the square.
Radio Disney will host interactive entertainment on the Walton Arts Center main stage throughout the day, while the Walmart Visitor Center will feature neo-retro ice cream and a soda shop at Spark Cafe.
Walmart will host pictures with Santa Claus and accept donations of new toys to support the Sharing & Caring program, according to a news release. Sharing & Caring provides toys to needy children in Benton County over the holidays.
“This event is a signature First Friday in our production season, and our partnership with Walmart, the Walmart Visitor Center and Radio Disney offers the community some amazing programming while creating a platform to provide toys to our community in need,” said Daniel Hintz, executive director of Downtown Bentonville Inc.
Disney will bring in Coco Jones to perform at 6 p.m. on the main stage. Jones starred as Roxanne Andrews, a fast-rising music star in the Disney Channel movie “Let It Shine.” She is signed to Hollywood Records and will meet and greet fans after the performance.
The Wish Upon A Star Disney Princess Party and Parade is set for 5:30 p.m., followed by a dance party with the Radio Disney Road Crew. Girls can wear their favorite princess outfit and have photos taken with Disney characters such as Cinderella.
Artisans and craft vendors, along with a variety of food vendors, will be stationed around the square.
Cheerful Givers will host a Birthday Bag Blitz during lunchtime entertainment on the square. The group provides toy-filled birthday gift bags to food pantries and shelters so parents living in poverty can give their child a birthday gift, according to the group’s website.
Organizers are asking residents to donate $10 toward a gift bag or join them on the square to stuff gift bags for the children.