Working from aboard a lift from Strait Up, Ron Thompson and Derek Campbell add lights to trees in Garrette Park for West Jefferson’s Christmas in the Park. The lights will be turned on at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and will remain lit nightly through Jan. 1.
(Posted Dec. 2, 2015)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
For the 20th consecutive year, West Jefferson’s Garrette Park will sparkle with thousands of lights and heaps of holiday cheer for “Christmas in the Park.”
Santa will flip the switch to turn on the display during opening weekend festivities set for Dec. 11-13, after which the park will remain lit at night through Jan. 1.
Highlights of opening weekend include:
Parade of Lights
Anyone can participate in the Parade of Lights set for Dec. 12. All participants are requested to have lighting of some sort. Line-up starts at 4:30 p.m. in the American Legion parking lot, 9701 W. Broad St. The parade steps off at 5:30 and travels into West Jefferson, continuing on Main Street to South Twin Street, then left onto Fellows Avenue and right into Garrette Park. Anyone interested in having a Christmas or winter-themed float in the parade, or simply walking in the parade, should contact Sandy Boucher at (614) 879-9662.
Pictures with Santa and Toy Giveaway
Santa will be available all weekend to hear children’s Christmas wishes in the Santa House and pose for pictures. Bring your own camera or, for a suggested donation of $1, have your picture taken. (Each additional photo is $2.)
New this year, skip the wait in line to see Santa by leaving your name and phone number at the Santa House when you first arrive at the park. Organizers will send a text when it’s your time to visit Santa.
Additionally, every child who visits Santa will receive a ticket for the toy giveaway, which will take place at 8 p.m. Dec. 14. Entrants (or their parents) must be present at the drawing to win.
Craft Station and Kids’ Activities
Each night of opening weekend, volunteers will offer children’s craft activities as part of Santa’s Workshop. Also, Disney characters will roam the park on Saturday night, posing for pictures.
Hurt-Battelle Memorial Library is back with a variety of Christmas-themed games, including a wreath toss and present stacking. Library staffers also will read Christmas-themed stories from 6 to 9 p.m. each night in the Santa House.
Home Decorating Contest
In conjunction with Christmas in the Park, the West Jefferson Community Association holds a home decorating contest. Residents in the village of West Jefferson and Jefferson Township are eligible to enter.
Judging will take place on Dec. 11. Entrants should leave their lights on from 6 to 10 p.m. that night. To have your home judged, call (614) 879-8818 by Dec. 10 and leave a message with your name, address and phone number.
Winners will be recognized at 7:45 p.m. Dec. 13 at Garrette Park. Prizes are $100 for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place. Honorable mention prizes also will be awarded.
Schedule of events
Friday, Dec. 11
5 p.m. Concessions open
5:30 p.m. Opening ceremonies; Santa arrives; Lighting; West Jefferson High School Choir and Jazz Band
6-9 p.m. Santa’s workshop
6-9 p.m. Carriage rides
6-9 p.m. Visit with Santa
11 p.m. Lights off
Saturday, Dec. 12
10 a.m.-8 p.m. Craft show at the senior center on Main Street
4:30 p.m. Parade line-up at American Legion
5:30 p.m. Parade of lights
5:30 Concessions open
6-8 p.m. Grove City Trio
6-9 p.m. Santa’s workshop
6-9 p.m. Carriage rides
6-9 p.m. Visit with Santa
11 p.m. Lights off
Sunday, Dec. 13
5:30 p.m. Lights on
5-8 p.m. Concessions open
6-8 p.m. Vocalist Spencer Selbert
6-9 p.m. Visit with Santa
6-9 p.m. Santa’s workshop
6-9 p.m. Carriage rides
7:45 p.m. Winners announced for house lighting contest
8 p.m. Children’s toy giveaway
11 p.m. Lights off
Dec. 14-Jan. 1
5-11 p.m. Lights on at the park!
Directions to Garrette Park
Take Route 40 to West Jefferson. Once in downtown, turn south on Walnut Street, which runs into the park.
Parking
Parking is available on surrounding streets. One option is the field behind the park; to get there, continue south on Walnut Street, which becomes Fellows Avenue, then look for the lot.
Contact Information
For more information, contact Carol Beachy at (614) 879-9036 or stop by West Jefferson Hardware, 228 E. Main St., during regular business hours.
Donations and Volunteers
Christmas in the Park is an all-volunteer organization. Donations are gladly accepted to offset the cost of replacement lights, electricity and other expenses. Make donations out to “Christmas in the Park” and mail to P.O. Box 262, West Jefferson, OH 43162.
Leading up to opening weekend, volunteers are needed nightly to help decorate and hang lights. Volunteers also are needed in January to take the displays and lights down and put them in storage.
If you are interested in volunteering, contact Carol Beachy at (614) 879-9036.
Website
For all of the details, go to the event’s website at www.wjchristmaspark.org.
