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Holiday in the City draws crowd to downtown

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By Megan Gildow, Staff Writer Updated 12:03 AM Sunday, November 29, 2009

SPRINGFIELD — Aydin and Blake Knight sat with excited anticipation on the curb of South Fountain Avenue — until the fire truck carrying Old Saint Nick came into view.

Blake sprang to his 3-year-old feet before settling back in beside his twin brother for the rest of Santa’s trip around the block during his appearance at the annual Holiday in the City.

“This is the first time for us,” said the boys’ mother, Devin Weymouth. “They wanted to see Santa Claus.”

True to form, when asked what the best part of the night had been, “Santa Claus!” remained the highlight of the evening after the two brothers oohed and aahed through the community tree lighting, the lighting of the buildings downtown and grand fireworks — set to the tune of classic Christmas carols.

An estimated 14,000 to 15,000 people attended Holiday in the City on Saturday, Nov. 28, said Maureen Fagans, City Center Association executive director.

“With good weather, we’ve had upwards of 16,000,” she said.

Saturday’s temperatures were in the mid-50s with sunshine throughout the afternoon leading into the evening’s festivities, which included Frisch Marionettes variety shows, food and craft vendors, the Heart of the Holiday raffle and previews of “The Nutcracker.”

But the festivities aren’t over — the Nostalgic Village display and SantaLand will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday until Christmas, along with other community holiday events.

“There’s still lots of things to do,” said Fagans.

Santa Claus also declared delight at the festivities as he ceremoniously rode by buildings newly glowing with white lights and waved to eager children in the street.

“It’s great to be in Springfield,” he shouted.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0373 or mgildow@coxohio.com.

Couldn’t make it? Check out more pictures online. Or, if you were there, relive the fun.

SpringfieldNewsSun.com

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Oh for heaven's sake... Smokers, BE COURTEOUS! It's not frigging rocket science.. The verdict came in a long time ago: second-hand smoke is harmful. Smokers shouldn't poison other people. A non-smoker shouldn't have to move. Smokers should be courteous and keep his or her smoke to themselves. I am a smoker & I attended this event. When I wanted to smoke I walked to a spot where there weren't many people. This is simply common sense. It's rude & arrogant to impose your bad habit on others.

Lori
6:10 AM, 12/3/2009

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is there a way that i can see whio tv footage of this event? i know it already happened but somebody i know was on camera talking and i missed it

Brandon
6:41 PM, 12/2/2009

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This was our first year of going to Holiday in the City. My family and myself really enjoyed it! I would like to see more people take interest in our town by trying to make it better. Springfield you our on the right track keep up the good work.

karen
7:17 PM, 12/1/2009

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this was me and my kids first time ever bein down there for this event.it was awsome we enjoyed it all.the fireworks were just absulutly beutiful....good job!!!!

jenny w
10:30 AM, 12/1/2009

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MANY PEOPLE WHO WERE OFFENDED BY THE EXTRAVAGANCE DID STAY HOME!!!

robin hood
10:43 AM, 11/30/2009

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