ThisWeek CW 11/13/2014

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2014/11/10/looking-ahead-city-prepares-for-holiday-events.html

Christmas is still a few weeks away, but Santa Claus is preparing to stop in Canal Winchester at the annual Christmas in the Village Dec. 5 and 6 followed by the annual Breakfast with Santa Dec. 13.

These annual events both benefit the Canal Winchester Human Services’ Adopt-a-Family program, operated through the community food pantry.

Christmas in the Village kicks off the holiday season and, in addition to visits with Santa, will include carriage rides, ice sculpting, children’s activities, a gingerbread house contest and a craft bazaar.

“This event and time of year is probably my favorite because it is the single best opportunity to get everyone into that seasonal holiday mood,” Destination: Canal Winchester Executive Director Bruce Jarvis said. “Destination: Canal Winchester partners with the city to bring this to the community, not just because it gets everyone downtown, but because it would not be the holidays without it.”

A new feature this year will be a “Meet the Grinch stop, he said.

“Adults and kids can take their pictures with the mean old Mr. Grinch,” Jarvis said. “And on Friday, the Santa procession will include lighted vehicles, which is also a first for Christmas in the Village.

“So whether it’s watching the ice sculptors work, enjoying a carriage ride – antique tractor hayride, playing kids’ games, making crafts, visiting Santa, admiring the gingerbread houses, or watching the miniature trains run while shopping at the craft bazaar, this is the place to be to make lifetime memories for your children or simply want to feel like a child yourself.”

Families are asked to consider bringing cameras so they can take pictures with Santa and the Grinch. Visitors are also asked to consider bringing a new, unopened toy or cash/check donation to benefit the Adopt-a-Family program.

Christmas in the Village runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, and from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. To start each evening’s festivities, Santa will process through downtown to light the Christmas tree behind Stradley Place.

Maps and specific event information, including how to take part in the gingerbread house competition or the craft bazaar, are available online at destinationcw.org/CITV.html.

Breakfast tickets

Breakfast with Santa ticket sales also benefit Canal Winchester Human Services’ Adopt-A-Family program.

Breakfast will be served at the community center from 8:30 to 10 a.m. and from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 13. The meal will include eggs, sausage, French toast sticks and a drink.

Both sessions require advance registration, which is now open and always sells out, said Amanda Lemke, city events and communications coordinator.

“This event allows children and their families to enjoy a full breakfast and visit with Santa while helping others in need during the holiday season,” she said.

Besides meeting Santa, children will be given a small gift bag and parents are encouraged to bring their cameras to get photos.

Tickets cost $5 per person (no charge for children younger than 1) and can be purchased at the municipal building, 36 S. High St.; the Frances Steube Community Center, 22 S. Trine St.; or Roman’s Pizza, 17 N. High St.

“The city has been very generous to donate the proceeds of Breakfast with Santa to support our Adopt-a-Family program for several years,” Human Services Administrator Penny Miller said. “The contribution is used to provide holiday assistance to kids who do not get ‘adopted.’ ”

Canal Winchester Mayor Michael Ebert said the holiday events “provide unique shopping and dining opportunities for visitors to our historic downtown.”