By: Dave Deiters
Chair of the Avondale Estates Downtown Development Authority
Each holiday season, Dave Deiters, Chair of the Downtown Development Authority, trades meeting notes for rhyme, giving Avondale Estates a tradition as cherished as Tree Lighting. This year’s poem reflects on the progress, patience, and pride that shaped the downtown in 2025. Settle in, smile a little, and enjoy this annual holiday verse from the DDA Chair.
'Twas the night before Christmas
And all through downtown
So much progress was stirring
The list will astound.
Happy people were walking
With smiles as they strolled
Not a creature was complaining,
Not even the trolls!
Our complete streets had produced
Wide sidewalks well-lit
Calmed traffic and safe crossings
Our town was legit!
The Dale is almost complete
With restaurants and more
Creamalosa is open!
With yummies in store.
The new paving soon finished
Dust and noise at rest
Kinda miss the barrel men
And their orange and white vests.
With three rounds of micro-grants
To help local shops
Survive construction
And stay right on top.
Fun events and traditions
Drew guests to the Dale
Concerts, celebrations and
Our own Dale Ale Trail.
Local and independent
Business is thriving
Our downtown is transforming
With more soon arriving.
When what to our dust-covered
Eyes should appear?
A stunning new project
That makes blight disappear.
Townhomes and apartments
Of the most elegant sorts
Replace junkyards and concrete -
Our CBD’s warts.
Let’s please pause a moment
And cheer one and all
Of the hardworking workers
At our City Hall.
Their hard work and expertise
We could easily see
As so much was accomplished
Here in our city.
And a major shout out
To all who live here
Y’all endured dust and delays
I owe you a beer!
And as we close, a quick note
That needs to be shared
From your humble servant
The DDA Chair
I wish for your holiday -
merry sights and sweet sounds
A happy Christmas to all
And enjoy your downtown!