Two local events a sure sign of holidays

Well here we are at the beginning of December. Many of you already have your trees up and have mailed your Christmas cards.

Not me.

This is my favorite laid-back part of the holiday season before Christmas shifts into high gear. Since I like to savor the family time during the four-day weekend, I was in Thanksgiving mode until today.

But now that it’s the first Monday of December, I’m ready to charge into Christmas.

This coming Saturday, the New Carlisle and Enon communities will open their Christmas seasons in time-honored ways that we all love.

New Carlisle parade

The 28th annual New Carlisle Holiday Parade and activities will include Santa Claus arriving Saturday morning. Kids of all ages are invited to welcome Santa’s airplane at 9:30 a.m. Santa will be flying direct from the North Pole to the Andy Barnhart Memorial Airport just east of New Carlisle on Ohio 571.

Last year organizers for the event were disappointed that more children did not show up at the airport to welcome Santa. They are hoping for a big crowd this year there.

After saying hello, Santa will proceed to the south end of town to take his place of honor in the parade, which begins at 10 a.m.

The Tecumseh High School band will lead the parade through New Carlisle’s cheerfully decorated downtown. A large group of costumed characters and the participants in the Holiday Costume Contest will escort Santa to the firehouse at 315 N. Church St.

At the firehouse, Santa will visit with all the good boys and girls and listen to their requests.

The always-entertaining Holiday Costume Contest will be held at the firehouse after the participants arrive with the parade. Dr. Robert Keller has donated tooth brushes for participants. The band will be selling poinsettias at the firehouse.

Enon tree lighting

Later that same day, Enon kicks off the season with its Christmas Tree Lighting event at the Enon Log Cabin, located between the village offices and the Adena Mound. Caroling around the new community tree will begin at 6:45 p.m.

Master of Ceremonies for the event is our very own Daryl Bauer. Richard and Irene Ferriman will be honored guests. Santa and Mrs. Claus should arrive around 7 p.m.

“We always try to make a big deal out of the very creative way that Santa arrives,” said Enon Community Historical Society (ECHA) member Brenda Sweet. “It is sort of a mystery, and I can’t tell.”

After their arrival, the tree will be lit for the first time. Santa and Mrs. Claus will take their seats of honor in front of the fireplace in the restored 1830s log cabin. Children are invited to come into the cabin and visit with the jolly couple. Parents should bring their own cameras if they want a remembrance of this.

Frankly, I think this is one of the most relaxed ways to meet Santa, and the photos always turn out lovely.

The Enon Community Historical Society will be serving hot cocoa, cider and cookies. Inside the society’s building, Adam Gastineau will entertain with Christmas music. The ECHS gift shop will be open for folks who want some easy Christmas shopping.

I imagine Santa will be ready for a long winter’s nap after such a busy day.

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