(Posted Nov. 22, 2016)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
The more the merrier. In this case, we’re talking about more opportunities to get into the holiday spirit in Mount Sterling.
This year’s Christmas in the Village, a three-day celebration set for Dec. 2-4, features an expanded list of activities.
The Mount Sterling Chamber of Commerce kicks off the weekend Dec. 2 with a jingle, mingle and tree lighting at the gazebo and town hall on South London Street. Santa will arrive by fire truck at 6. Businesses will hand out information and giveaways from booths under tents on the town hall lawn. Look for a bake sale inside town hall, cookies and hot chocolate at the gazebo, and a “giving tree” stocked with mittens, hats and blankets free for the taking.
On the morning of Dec. 3, the Mount Sterling Eagles Youth League will host Breakfast with Santa 8 a.m.-noon at the Mount Sterling Community Center, 164 E. Main St. Children are invited to have their picture taken with Santa. Pictures are included in the price of the breakfast, $5. The event also includes a silent auction, letter writing to Santa, coloring a picture of Santa and decorating cookies. Visit www.leaguelineup.com/mtseyl or call Michael Browning at (614) 804-3311 for details.
The Community Center’s Jingle Bell “Just for Fun” Run 5K starts at 10 a.m., followed by the one-mile at 10:15. All ages are welcome. There is no entry fee. Donations of non-perishable food items will be accepted for the Cans for a Cause food drive. An ugly sweater contest will follow in the community center.
Shopping and a parade of lights are the name of the game in the afternoon and evening of Dec. 3. The Chamber’s Merry Market will be open 2-7 p.m. with crafters selling their wares from under the tents on the town hall lawn. The parade, for which all entries must be lighted, steps off at 5:30. Anyone who wants to participate in the parade can call Chris Parker at (740) 506-3301 for details.
Both Dec. 2 and Dec. 3, visitors to the festivities are invited to participate in a drawing for prizes. Pick up a card at a participating business or crafter, then collect stamps at other businesses and vendors to earn a chance to win. The Chamber is sponsoring Friday night’s prizes. The Market Crew is providing Saturday night’s prizes.
The Community Center is holding a gingerbread house decorating contest. Categories are for adults, youths, and businesses. Entries must be dropped off by 5 p.m. Dec. 2 at the center, 164 E. Main St. All houses will be displayed 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 3 and 2-4 p.m. Dec. 4. The public is invited to vote for their favorites.
On Dec. 4, the Community Center will host several activities from 2 to 4 p.m., including a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, a Mount Sterling Library craft, horse-drawn wagon rides, a performance by the United Methodist Church handbell choir, and a “Christmas past” display by the Mount Sterling Community Museum. Children can make Christmas cards to send to patients at Veterans Hospital in Chillicothe. Games, crafts and refreshments also are planned. Every child will receive a gift. Silent auction bids will be taken for a Christmas quilt made by the Sew Social Ladies Dec. 2-23. For more about the center’s plans, call (740) 869-2453.
