Don’t let busy schedules keep you from spending time with family at these wonderful holiday events

The air was chilly but the holiday spirit was warm for the City of New Carlisle's annual Christmas Parade Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. The parade traveled along Main Street with Santa, the Tecumseh High School Band and inflatable holiday characters before ending at the New Carlisle Fire Station on Church Street. At the fire station, the band played while children got to meet Santa and get juice and cookies. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Credit: Bill Lackey

Credit: Bill Lackey

The air was chilly but the holiday spirit was warm for the City of New Carlisle's annual Christmas Parade Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. The parade traveled along Main Street with Santa, the Tecumseh High School Band and inflatable holiday characters before ending at the New Carlisle Fire Station on Church Street. At the fire station, the band played while children got to meet Santa and get juice and cookies. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

The Christmas trees have been lit, Santa has arrived, and carols have been sung. However, don’t make the mistake of thinking the Holiday fun is over in Western Clark County. Nope. Christmas Season is actually just beginning!

Big question in New Carlisle is, “Who will win the outdoor decorating contest?” All nine entries are located within New Carlisle city limits and will be judged this week.

A map showing locations of entries will soon be posted on multiple village sites.

During the next two weeks residents of Bethel and Mad River townships, Enon, Park Layne, Medway, and New Carlisle are encouraged to “Shop Local,” to support local businesses and organizations.

Jars of Enon’s famous Apple Butter are still available for gift giving. The Apple Butter may be purchased for $8 a jar at Park National Bank in Enon. Proceeds benefit the Enon Community Historical Society.

Saturday Dec. 14 will be full of merriment with multiple events on the schedule.

The New Carlisle Library has “Holiday at the Library” scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. with games and activities for adults and youth.

Knob Prairie Church, 203 West Main in Enon has its annual cookie and candy sale from 10 a.m. - noon.

The Enon-Mad River Township Santa Parade is scheduled to begin at dark Dec. 14. Santa and Mrs Claus will return to Enon to ride atop the brightly decorated firetruck as it processes throughout the town. Map will be posted on the Enon-Mad River Township Fire Department page sometime this week.

At 6 p.m the bright and flashy Jingle Jam Parade will begin at Goodall Lumber in New Carlisle. Form up at 5:30. This parade route will not be published until later this week, It will go past each of the homes in the Outdoor Decorating Contest and the winner will be announced.

Many of our churches have special Christmas Eve services and we cannot list all. Look for the signs and postings. There is still time to call the office of local churches to get details on their plans.

Some of our businesses, venues, and restaurants like Brandeberry Winery and Youngs Dairy have special events planned over the last half of December. Take time to check them out as well.

On the evening of December 31, New Carlisle is planning its fantastic New Years Eve Ball Drop. Don’t miss the fun and excitement as the community gathers near the Christmas Tree on Main Street to say farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025.

Our calendars and schedules may be full but don’t let that keep you from spending time with family and loved ones over this wonderful season. Make the time.

Remember the Christmas Season technically lasts 12 days, just like in the song. All the decorations and lights are so beautiful we won’t be taking ours down until at least January 6 Epiphany.

Wishing you and yours the Merriest Christmas and a Fantastic New Year!

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