Canal Winchester ready to usher in the holidays

ThisWeek CW 11/21/2013

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2013/11/19/canal-winchester-ready-to-usher-in-the-holidays.html

The holiday spirit is stirring in the streets of Canal Winchester with several holiday events on the calendar.

To get into the swing of the season, the Canal Winchester Area Historical Society will host its annual Christmas party at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3, at the Frances Steube Community Center, 22 S. Trine St., with The Treble Clefs playing a set of holiday tunes from the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s. Refreshments will be provided and all are invited.

Christmas in the Village will take place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, and from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Both nights will start with the arrival of Santa Claus, who will ride into town on a historic truck to light the downtown Christmas tree.

Santa Claus won’t rush off after Christmas in the Village, though; he’ll stick around for his annual Breakfast with Santa date on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 14, at the community center.

Breakfast with Santa regularly sells out, according to organizers. Tickets are $5 per person; there is no charge for children younger than 1. Tickets are available at both the municipal building and the community center.

Included with the breakfast is a gift bag from Santa. Parents are encouraged to bring cameras.

All proceeds benefit Canal Winchester Human Services’ Adopt-a-Family program.

Destination: Canal Winchester, the city, and several local businesses partner to bring these holiday events to town.

“If you aren’t already in the Christmas spirit before this event, you certainly will be,” organizer Bruce Jarvis said. “Christmas in the Village is free to the public and promises to be an exciting time for people of all ages.”

After the tree-lighting, Santa will visit with children inside the Huntington Bank. Parents are again encouraged to bring their cameras.

“Santa has heard there is a great need among local families again this year,” Jarvis said. “While it is completely optional, those wishing to visit with Santa Claus during the event are asked to consider helping the less fortunate by bringing a toy for donation to the Canal Winchester Human Services Adopt-a-Family program.”

Besides visiting with the big man himself, attendees will be treated to music from roving carolers, will see ice sculpting demonstrations and can visit a craft bazaar and model train exhibit at the community center.

“Visitors can watch ice creations take form in Stradley Place while eating freshly popped popcorn, courtesy of the Canal Winchester pageant queens,” Jarvis said. “Many downtown business will have their own open house activities as well, so feel free to step out of the cold, do a little holiday shopping, and help spread the holiday cheer.”

Back by popular demand will be the gingerbread house competition, taking place at Lynch Retirement Advisors, 3 W. Waterloo St. Entries must be turned in by 6 p.m. Dec. 6 with judging taking place at 7 p.m. Dec. 7.

Children will be able to enjoy Christmas games and crafts at Chase Bank and Town Hall. Several traditional holiday rides will be on offered as well.

“The horse-drawn carriage rides and hayrides being pulled by antique tractors will operate throughout the event,” Jarvis said. “A mini-train will be taking small children for a ride along South High Street, which will be closed for the celebration.”

For more information, including how to participate as a vendor at the craft bazaar or enter the gingerbread house competition, visit www.destinationcw.org/citv.html.