By Christine Bryant
Staff Writer
‘Tis the season, and this year, several festive events in Reynoldsburg will help residents kick off the holidays.
Pancakes with Santa
The holiday season starts with “Pancakes with Santa and Mrs. Claus” from 9-11 a.m. Nov. 21. The event, held at Wesley Ridge Retirement Community, 2229 Taylor Park Drive, will feature an array of pancakes.
“It’s a beautiful brunch for adults, and great activities for kids,” said Mary Hudson, director of the Reynoldsburg Visitors Bureau.
New this year, the event will feature a Santa’s Workshop where kids and grown-ups can buy gifts for family and friends, Hudson said. All items are $5.
The pancake breakfast serves as a major fundraiser for the Wesley Ridge Guild. Tickets are $20, with children younger than 10 free.
Tree lighting
The city once again will host its annual tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. Nov. 30, at City Hall, 7232 E. Main St.
In addition to the lighting of the grounds outside City Hall, the event will include carolers as well as cookies and hot chocolate, courtesy of First Service Credit Union, Hudson said.
Students from French Run and Rose Hill elementary schools will provide entertainment. The event is free.
Letters to Santa
The Parks and Recreation will accept letters to Santa again this year beginning Nov. 30 until Dec. 16. Santa’s mailbox will be located at City Hall, 7232 E. Main St.
Santa’s elves will assist Santa with returning letters to Reynoldsburg children before Christmas.
Christmas on the Towne
Kicking off festivities during the month of December is the popular Christmas on the Towne in Olde Towne Reynoldsburg. The event, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 5, will take place throughout downtown from Lancaster to Waggoner roads.
A visitor favorite, carriage rides, once again will be available, Hudson said. Although the rides are free, she said a donation for Helping Hands food pantry is appreciated.
All businesses in downtown Reynoldsburg are open during the event, which also includes a cookie decorating contest, crafts for kids, Santa and Mrs. Claus and a Secret Santa Shop.
The Reynoldsburg-Truro Historical Society is open for the event, as is the Livingston House. Adorned in period Christmas decorations, the historic home will be accessible from downtown by a provided shuttle, Hudson said.
“It’s decorated beautifully for the holidays,” she said.
Breakfast with Santa
Just before the holidays, the city will host its second annual Breakfast with Santa from 9-11 a.m., Dec. 19 at the Reynoldsburg Senior Center, 1520 Davidson Drive.
Participants must pre-register by 5 p.m., Dec. 8, said Donna Bauman, director for the city’s parks and recreation department. Cost is $20 per family up to four members, with $3 for each additional member.
For information, call (614) 322-6800.
Reindeer Run
On Dec. 19, runners will make their way through Reynoldsburg as part of Nellie’s Catwalk 4 Kids’ Reindeer Run. The race will kick off at 8 a.m. at Huber Park.
NC4K is a non-profit organization in central Ohio dedicated to making life a little easier for kids and teens with cancer. The Reindeer Run 5K will also include Christmas music, giveaways, free T-shirts and hot chocolate.
Proceeds from the run will benefit kids and teens battling cancer during the holiday season. For more information, call (614) 300-3995 or go to nc4k.org.
Chamber Silent Auction
The Reynoldsburg Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual silent auction Nov. 19, and this year’s event will sport a tailgate theme.
“This is our last fundraiser of the year for the chamber, and includes an auction and live auction,” said Mary Hudson of the Chamber.
The event will take place at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Eagles, 1623 Brice Road, and in addition to the auctions, will include food, a bar, networking, holiday shopping, a dessert auction and 50/50 raffle.
Each year, the Chamber Auction raises about $5,000 for the chamber, which then uses the money to fund the operations of the chamber. The event also collects donations for Helping Hands Reynoldsburg food pantry, and encourages attendees to bring non-perishable foods and other much needed items.
Tickets are $15 or two for $25. For more information, call (614) 866-4753 or email admin@reynoldsburgchamber.com.
