IRONTON — Tonight several local businesses will host a Christmas party at Ironton’s Rotary Fountain.

Caroling at the Fountain will start at 6 p.m. with Santa giving out candy canes, hot chocolate, coffee and cookies. There will also be music and singing.

Kristi Hall, owner of Showcase Trophies and Awards, said the event was to introduce the community to some of the new downtown businesses, as well as spread holiday cheer.

“And possibly start a tradition here,” Hall said. “We want to see the downtown build up.”

In addition to Hall, Rowena and Paul Mollett of Dick’s Music Shop, Eddie Jenkins of Jenkins Professional Investigations and Randy and Sandy Parmley of Simple Living are sponsoring the event.

“We want to let people know we exist,” Hall said. “We are all new businesses. And to wish everyone a merry Christmas from the businesses downtown.”

The event is free and open to the public.