(Posted Dec. 2, 2015)
The 14th Annual Plain City Christmas Under the Clock will be held Dec. 5 at Main Street (Route 161) and Chillicothe Street in Plain City. The event is free to the public.
At 5 p.m., a tree lighting ceremony under the clock at Main and Chillicothe streets kicks off the evening. The Jonathan Alder mixed chorus, Starlight Twirlers and Plain City Community Band will perform with D.J. Tim Firlik helping with music and sound. Santa will stop by to say “hi” before he heads to Yoder’s True Value Hardware and General Store. Tree lighting pixies, winners of the event’s coloring contest, will light the tree.
Open houses at Plain City businesses and organizations will start immediately after the tree lighting ceremony. Visitors are encouraged to pick up a map of open houses, activities and entertainment at any participating location. Most will offer hot drinks, refreshments and a chance to enter a prize drawing. Anyone who can’t wait to see Santa again can hop on a wagon to Yoder’s True Value where pictures with Santa will be taken.
The Jefferson Avenue shuttles will run all night between uptown Plain City and Lovejoy’s Market IGA. Riders receive an additional prize raffle ticket each time they use the shuttles.
The craft showcase and auction are back this year at Daily Needs Assistance (DNA), 340 W. Main St. in the old elementary building. Crafters will offer handmade and one-of-a-kind items. Stick around or come back at 7 p.m. for the auction of holiday items donated by local businesses and organizations, also at DNA/Vineyard Church in the old gymnasium. Proceeds benefit Uptown Plain City Organization (UPCO) to assist with events, including the Farmers Market/Classic Car Cruise-In, 4 Mile Run-Walk, and Christmas Under the Clock), as well as with other initiatives that improve uptown Plain City.
Between the tree and Santa, groups and organizations will provide entertainment and refreshments. Plain City Public Library will hold its largest book sale of the season with live music filling the air. And refreshments are everywhere including at the plaza. Those waiting for a wagon ride can enjoy ham and bean soup with cornbread from UPCO. Baked goods also will be available for nibbling or to take home from the Plain City Events Committee. Entertainers at the plaza are: Plain City Community Band, 5:30-6:30; In Harmony Music Studio, 6:30-7 p.m.; and Sharon Mennonite Church Group, 7-8 p.m.
New this year, Christmas Under the Clock will end at 8 p.m. For those with little ones still at Yoder’s visiting Santa, the shuttles and wagons will keep running until they get everyone back to their starting points.
The event is brought to the community by UPCO with help from the village of Plain City. UPCO is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the historic business district and its industry in uptown Plain City.
