(Posted Sept. 29, 2023)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
The South Charleston Community Club is changing things up when it comes to their signature fundraising event, Christmas in South Charleston.
For many years, the festivities have taken place the first Wednesday in December. This year, the event is scheduled for the first Saturday–Dec. 2.
“We used to hold it from 4 to 8 p.m. on that first Wednesday, but it was hard for people who work past that starting time to get their families down here,” said Karman McKee Ogden, Community Club president. “Having it on a Saturday will provide an opportunity for more family involvement.”
Christmas in South Charleston will still take place in the village’s historic district. Specific plans, including the hours of this year’s event, are still in the works, but Ogden said residents and visitors can expect much of the same fun they’ve enjoyed in past years. That includes a parade, Santa visits, vendors, food trucks, children’s activities, the big raffle, and more. Shops will be open, and families are encouraged to take their children from store to store to collect stamps for a chance at a prize.
Ogden noted the Community Choir concert will take place that same day at 7 p.m. at South Charleston town hall. As usual, businesses and area residents will be asked to decorate their storefronts and houses with lights to help create a “Hallmark” atmosphere.
Anyone who would like to help with planning for Christmas in South Charleston is welcome to contact Ogden at (614) 353-8525 or attend a Community Club meeting. The club meets at 6 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at Village Chic, 17 S. Chillicothe St. Volunteers are needed on the date of the event to help with children’s crafts and selling raffle tickets.
The club is accepting donations of items and gift cards for the raffle. Additionally, raffle tickets can be purchased in advance; they are $1 for one ticket or $5 for six tickets. For details on donating to the raffle or buying tickets, contact Ogden.
Monetary donations may be made out to “South Charleston Community Club” and dropped off at Park National Bank, 102 S. Chillicothe St., South Charleston, or mailed to P.O. Box 256, South Charleston, OH 45368.
All proceeds go directly to improvement and upkeep of South Charleston Community Park. For updates, visit “Christmas in South Charleston” on Facebook.
