How to go
What: Christmas in the Village
Where: Downtown Mechanicsburg
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10
Admission: No charge
More info: www.ourtownemechanicsburg.org
If it takes a village to raise the Christmas spirit, one area town has had it covered for more than 30 years.
Christmas in the Village is where people of any age can find what they like about the season in a small-town atmosphere. The free event is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Mechanicsburg.
It will feature everything from shopping and rides to auctions and scavenger hunts to live music and food.
“What’s great is it is all centered at the core block of downtown, where you can see everything. It makes for a vibrant atmosphere,” said Dan Eck, event chairman.
Eck claims people travel from as far as Kentucky and Pennsylvania just to experience this slice of Ohio hometown Christmas. “They make a point of attending and ask us each year if it’s going on,” he said.
One of the highlights is the craft fair, which, with numerous vendors, is the biggest ever, Eck said. Some of the wares will include jewelry, woodwork, baked goods, seasonal ornaments, kitchen goods and more.
Music will include the Reynoldsburg Community Band at noon, followed by the Mechanicsburg High School Marching Band at 1 p.m.
Other popular returning attractions are historic wagon rides and pet portraits, both of which Eck said sets Christmas in the Village apart.
Some of the funds raised will also pay forward what area people will enjoy in a different season. The proceeds of the basket auction will go toward Summer Celebration fireworks in 2017.
Christmas in the Village events schedule
Fire House and Masonic Temple: Arts and Crafts Show, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; basket raffle tickets may be purchased throughout the day with the drawing at 3 p.m. Proceeds from the raffle will fund Summer Celebration. Various bake sales and foods will also be for sale.
The Mechanicsburg Fire Department: collecting toys for local families. New toys may be dropped off in the lobby of the Mechanicsburg Municipal Building.
Wagon rides: Departing from the Fire House, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
United Methodist Church, 42 N. Main St.: Cookie Cutter Bake Sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the church parlor with homemade cut-out Christmas cookies, candy, pies, breads and other goodies.
Historic Second Baptist Church, 43 E. Sandusky St.: 10 a.m. — Christmas music from local students; noon — Reynoldsburg Community Band; 1 p.m. — Mechanicsburg High School Band; 4:30 and 7 pm – Darby Plains Homeschool Group presents Jungle Jam's "Three Wisemen and a Baby."
Rush 24-7 Fitness: 9 S. Main St. Open house, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Darby Dental Smiles: 18 S. Main St. Scavenger Hunt, 10 a.m. to noon.
Mechanicsburg Public Library: 60 S. Main St. Make and take crafts, 10 a.m. to noon.
Champion Feed & Pet Supply: 140 S. Main St. Pet portraits will be available 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Parade: Parade on Main Street, 2 p.m.
Santa at the Mechanicsburg Public Library: Immediately following the parade until 3:30 p.m. Bring a camera or phone to get picture taken with Santa.
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