By Jeremy Weldon

Batesville enjoyed a smattering of snow Wednesday afternoon, just enough to turn thoughts to winter, cold weather, and the beginning of the holiday season.

With wintery mix in the forecast, local schools dismissed students at 1 p.m. Wednesday, and officials said all children were delivered to their homes or daycares safely. Additionally, schools were delayed starting Thursday until 9 a.m. to account of any small patches of ice that had formed during the night.

Bus drivers reported no problems on their routes Thursday morning. In the city, police said there were no reported vehicle accidents that could be blamed on the weather.

With the Downtown Square decorated with lights and Christmas banners, Batesville is ready for the holidays beginning with the Train to Christmas Town rides that start Saturday. TIckets sales have been brisk for the Christmas-themed train rides that take about 90 minutes for passengers to complete.

In that time, train riders are entertained with Christmas songs, cookies, and hot chocolate as they participate in an adventure based on the children’s book by the same name. Downtown traffic will be heavier than normal for the next two months as visitors to the Square and train ride customers use the available parking spots.

Assistant Police Chief Kerry Pittman said more officers than usual will be patrolling during the times, and reminded motorists to be watchful around congested areas because pedestrians will often be paying more attention to lights and music and not oncoming traffic.

Several officers will be employed by the Train to Christmas Town enterprise and will work during peak times. A gift shop for train riders is also expected to be busy.

Batesville’s annual Holiday Open House is Sunday (Nov. 18) from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. and large crowds are also expected for that event. Downtown merchants have decorated many of the storefronts and shoppers are welcome to enjoy refreshments and door prizes at some of the businesses.

Another local tradition, the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree, will take place on Friday, Nov. 23, at 5:30 p.m. at the main branch of First Security Bank. The bank will have its Open House from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the bank’s main lobby before the lighting of the tree.