I think this is event organizer Marshall Gorby’s favorite part of the day and as usual he is encouraging kids to be on hand when Santa’s plane lands.
More from Cottrel:
Cottrel: Maple tapping a sign spring isn’t far off in Clark County
Cottrel: Camp full of tradition, opportunities for Clark County Boy Scouts
Cottrel: Doors open to explore one of Springfield’s historic gems this weekend
Meanwhile the parade will be forming at the corner of Main and Madison streets beginning at 9:30 a.m. Children who want to take part in the costume contest will need to sign up. Costumed children must be in the parade to be eligible to win costume contest prizes.
Once the jolly guests of honor from the North Pole arrive, the Tecumseh High School band will fill the streets with Christmas music. The band will be joined by children in costumes and a variety of characters. The parade will lead to the New Carlisle Firehouse, 315 N. Church St. There the band will have a short concert of Christmas music, and prizes will be awarded to the best costumed characters in the parade.
At the firehouse, Santa will be talking with children and posing for photos. Parents are encouraged to bring their own cameras. There will be cookies and juice in the firehouse.
Next on the schedule is a new event just down the street at Sacred Heart Church Social Center, 209 W. Lake Avenue.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. the community is invited to celebrate Grinch-Mas and “Grow Your Heart 3 Sizes” This event is presented by FYI - Family and Youth Initiatives and grew out of an idea of area teens.
“Because our Tecumseh youth wanted the community focus to turn from what is bad with us today, to a challenge to make this community a better, more positive place to live and work.’ said Pat Banaszak.
Two full hours of fun have been planned. There will be games, give-aways and a Christmas gift area where kids can pick out free presents for their parents. I know my kids would have loved this when they were little. Hot dogs and hot chocolate will be served and there will be tables to visit set up by various organizations.
The whole point of this positive event is to celebrate the joy and love within the community and to let our young people know how important they are to us all, according to Banaszak. We all need to de-stress and just enjoy.
The Grinch, Cindy Lou, and Max will be available for photos with the children. There will be free mittens and hats and a free coat give away.
NewsSpeedway to add 300 new jobs in Enon
Whatever you do, don’t miss the FYI table with the Good Deed Tracker Booklets. The Youth of the DEFY after-school Tecumseh High School Group, are passing out these books to “spread the holiday spirit just like the Who’s down in Who-ville!”
These booklets are kind of like advent calendars with a unique twist.
Instead of eating a piece of chocolate each day leading up to Christmas, participants are asked to do a good deed each day for 25 days and record it in the book.
How cool is that? What a great idea.
Children record their good deeds in the book then turn it in to FYI headquarters at 468 N Dayton Lakeview Road or other designated drop off places by the deadline.
Those who complete the Good Deed Tracker Booklet and turn it in on time will be eligible for a drawing to win season tickets to some of our local tourist spots like Cincinnati Zoo, or Boonshoft Museum, or win a bicycle or food. Winners will be announced at the New Carlisle New Year’s Eve Ball Drop.
Before going home folks are invited to check out the shops in New Carlisle.
Hopefully Santa and Mrs. Claus will have time to catch a quick nap before it is time to drive across the Mad River to Enon to kick off the holiday season there.
Enon’s traditional tree lighting will begin at 6:45 p.m. with favorite Christmas carols in front of the 1832 log cabin next to the Adena Mound.
Around 7 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive.
As Ann Armstrong-Ingoldsby explained, we never know how they will arrive, but they always make a grand entrance.
The jolly couple will help light the tree then go into the cozy warm log cabin. Santa and the Mrs. Claus will sit by the hearth fire for a visit. Girls and boys are invited to drop in and have their parents take a few photographs with their own cameras. This cabin is a lovely private place to visit with Santa and a great place for photos.
Business NewsThese 45 local projects are seeking new public funding. Which do you think should get it?
The Enon Community Historical Society will be serving hot cocoa, hot cider in big copper kettles warmed over wood fires. And they always have really great cookies too.
The Enon Historical Society building and the Mike Berry Research Center will be open with displays. Check out the “Celebration of Santa Claus” display with photos, figurines, and collectible images of the jolly old elf. Guests can also learn how they might contribute local history items like school yearbooks and how to use the research library.
I love this weekend in our communities. Don’t miss the opportunity to kick off the Christmas season with friends and neighbors and don’t forget to pick up one of those Grinch Good Deed Trackers.
We all need to remember to be nice to each other every day especially during the Christmas season.
About the Author