ThisWeek CW 11/14/2013
Santa Claus is coming to town soon, and Groveport is preparing a grand reception for him.
Groveport’s recreation center and Town Hall both have scheduled a series of family events, some of which require registration, to ring in the holiday season. This includes Santa’s arrival and tree-lighting, a dinner with Santa, Swim with Santa, a Victorian Christmas, Santa letters and phone calls, and plenty of crafts, games and fun treats for children.
Even before the big man arrives, children are invited to drop off letters to Santa in his special mailbox, posted just outside of Town Hall, 648 Main St. Parents also are invited to register their children to receive a phone call from Santa himself. All letters accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope will receive a response from Santa.
The phone-call registration deadline is Dec. 13 and can be completed by visiting the recreation center, 7370 Groveport Road. According to program coordinator Tina Dillman, the mailbox will remain posted through Dec. 19.
Santa Claus will arrive in person on a fire truck, just in time for the city tree-lighting, at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. Residents should gather near Town Hall, 648 Main St., to welcome Santa and watch the tree-lighting ceremony.
“Children and their parents are invited to enjoy cookies and punch, along with a craft item to create and a visit with Santa at the Town Hall after the tree-lighting,” Dillman said.
On Saturday, Dec. 7, the city will host two holiday events for revelers of all ages. First, at 5:30 p.m., a dinner with Santa will be served at the recreation center. The cost is $6 per person and all children must be accompanied by an adult. The registration deadline is Dec. 1.
Little Italy Pizza will provide the pasta and salad for the sit-down dinner, which includes a photo with Santa, caroling, crafts and dancing.
Following the dinner, from 7 to 9 p.m., Town Hall will host its annual Victorian Christmas based on a traditional 1880s-era party.
“We like to invite residents to journey back in time to 1880s Ohio, and see what a Christmas party back then was like,” Dillman said. “We’ll have people in costume, music and dancing as well as refreshments and crafts.”
The Many Strings Folk Trio will provide music at the event; no registration is necessary to attend.
One final opportunity to spend time with Santa will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the recreation center for the annual Swim with Santa event. Registration through the recreation center is due by Dec. 11. The cost is $4 per person.
Families will be able to swim with Santa and his lifeguard elves and use their personal cameras to take pictures. Candy and gifts will be handed out to all registered attendees.
For more information, call Town Hall at 614-836-3333 or the recreation center at 614-836-1000.