LEGOMania exhibit
The world’s most popular building blocks return to the Groveport Town Hall Art Gallery, 648 Main St., through Dec. 30. Admission is free. Hours are Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sundays from noon – 6 p.m.
LEGOMania, a massive display of intricately designed buildings and settings, all created by adult LEGO designers, demonstrates that the multicolored plastic blocks aren’t just for children.
LEGOMania 2008, created by the Central Ohio Lego Train Club, features LEGO-inspired settings – from the downtown Columbus skyline to farm scenes, all made of LEGO bricks. The concept is similar to that of model railroading, except that every element in the layout is an original LEGO product. The display features skyscrapers, running trains, little people, a big bridge, water area with boats, farm with animals and crops, all made of LEGO.
The first 1,400 children touring the exhibit will receive a complimentary packet of LEGO fruit snacks, generously donated by Kellogg’s Snacks. Plus, you can create your own LEGO masterpiece using the bricks provided and display your creation in the Kids’ LEGO Art Gallery.
Volunteer monitors are needed for LEGOMania. Dozens of visitors can be in the art gallery at any time, so help is needed to monitor the exhibit. Daytime, evening and weekend hours available. For information contact Chelle Coleman at 836-3333 or ccoleman@groveport.org.
Santa’s calling
Parents who would like their children to receive a free phone call from Santa Claus should pick up a form at the Groveport Recreation Center, 7370 Groveport Road. Santa is busy, so he will only have time for one call per family. Registration deadline is Dec. 12. For ages three and up. Calls will be made Dec. 16 and 17 between 6-8 p.m.
Swim with Santa
Come swim with Santa Claus on Dec. 13 from 3-5 p.m. at the Groveport Recreation Center, 7370 Groveport Road. Santa and his lifeguard elves will listen to Christmas wishes and hand out candy and stocking stuffers for all registered participants. In addition, have your picture with Santa taken. All children must be accompanied by an adult. For all ages. Cost is $3 per person and registration deadline is Dec. 8.
Lunch with Santa
Children of all ages are invited to have lunch with Santa Claus at the Groveport Recreation Center, 7370 Groveport Road on Dec. 13 from noon to 3 p.m. Lunch and drinks will be provided. Other activities for kids tentatively include picture with Santa, singing carols, Christmas craft, and coloring. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $3 per person and registration deadline is Dec. 8.
Holiday Getaway
The Groveport Recreation Center, 7370 Groveport Road, will host a "Holiday Getaway" for children ages 6-12 from Dec. 29-31 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a three day, all camp where children will enjoy playing traditional board games, athletic/sports games, swimming, and making crafts. Children will need to bring a packed lunch each day, swimsuit, change of clothes, and tennis shoes. Cost is $40 for residents/members and $45 for non-residents.
Santa coming to Groveport
The village of Groveport’s annual tree lighting ceremony will be held Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m. across from Groveport Town Hall on Main St. Following the tree lighting ceremony, kids can visit with Santa in Groveport Town Hall, 648 Main St. Santa’s mailbox will be available for letters to Santa in front of Groveport Town Hall from Nov. 29 to Dec. 20. The evening is co-sponsored by the Southeastern Franklin County Chamber of Commerce.
Hometown Holiday
Horse drawn carriage rides, Santa and his reindeer, and a live Nativity will be featured at the village of Groveport and Groveport Heritage and Preservation Society’s second annual "Hometown Holiday" on Dec. 21 from 1-5 p.m.
Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 the day of the event and are available at Groveport Town Hall, 648 Main St., and Bierberg Mercantile, 607 Main St. (Kids age 5 and under are free.)
Featured events include:
•LEGOMania on display in Groveport Town Hall.
•Groveport Heritage Museum in Groveport Town Hall.
•A musical program and guided tour of Groveport Zion Lutheran Church’s stained glass windows.
•A live Nativity at Groveport United Methodist Church at 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
•Horse drawn carriage rides and Santa and his reindeer at Front and Main streets.
•Tour of historic homes.
• "Dickens Village" display at the Miles home on Tallman Street.
•A tour of historic traces of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in the Groveport Municipal Building.
•Shopping available at LangWeil Studios, Hansen House, and Go Groveport’s Bierberg Mercantile.
For information call Carla Cramer at 836-9113 or Groveport Town Hall at 836-3333.
Coat & food drive
Donate coats and non-perishable canned or boxed food at Groveport Town Hall, 648 Main St.; Groveport Recreation Center, 7370 Groveport Road; or Groveport Municipal Building, 655 Blacklick St. until Nov. 30. Donations benefit families in the Groveport Madison school district.
CW’s Breakfast with Santa
Canal Winchester’s annual "Breakfast with Santa" will take place Dec. 13 at 9 a.m. in the Frances Steube Community Center located at 22 S. Trine St. Tickets are $5 for adults and children and can be purchased at the village’s community center and municipal building between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tickets are also available at Ferne’s Attic during the store’s normal business hours. Children under one year are free. Ticket includes all-you-can-eat breakfast. Children will receive a gift bag and a visit with Santa. A professional photographer will not be available. Bring a camera if you’d like to record this occasion. Only 100 tickets are available.
Simply Christmas
The village of Lithopolis hosts "Simply Christmas" on Dec. 6. The event includes:
•8:30 – 10:30 a.m. – Breakfast with Santa at The Antique Oven, 44 E. Columbus St., Lithopolis.
•8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Enter to win a special visit from Santa.
•10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Open house at Wagnalls Memorial. Santa Claus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
•10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Caroling by the Bloom-Carroll High School Chamber Singers.
•10 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Enter to win gift certificates to area businesses. One day only. Tickets available at various village shops. No purchase necessary.
•10 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Poinsettia sale by Keller Farms Greenhouse. Also, Santa Express Toy Train at 3 E. Columbus St.
•1:15 p.m. – Pet parade led by Santa. Starts at rear of Wagnalls Memorial.
•4-6 p.m. – Supper with Santa at The Antique Oven.
Donate stuffed animals
The village of Lithopolis is collecting new and like new stuffed animals for Santa Claus’ big red bag. Drop off donations at the village offices, 33 N. Market St., before 5 p.m. Dec. 5. For information contact Ginger Brenning at 837-2032 or gbrenning@lithopolis.org.
Letters to Santa
The village of Lithopolis will collect letters to Santa from Dec. 5-15. Drop off letters at the village offices, 33 N. Market St.; Wagnalls Memorial; or Santa’s mailbox at the police station. Also, there will be a toy train display at the village council chambers, 3 E. Columbus St.
