For the first time in 12 years, South Charleston will celebrate Christmas on a weekend.
The Community Club’s “Christmas in South Charleston” is set for Dec. 13, a Saturday. In the past, the annual event always took place on a Wednesday.
“It’s hard for parents to get there after school. By having it on a weekend, everyone will have more time,” said Larry Durfey, Community Club president.
Additionally, the event is taking place later in the month than has been the tradition. The change was made so that “Christmas in South Charleston” would take place on the same day as the community choir Christmas concert. The Community Club’s celebration will finish just as the choir concert starts—8 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Opera House in Town Hall.
“It’s good for everybody,” said Community Club member Dave Edwards regarding the collaboration.
With the Town Hall occupied, craft vendors have a new place to set up shop—the Methodist Church. Also, Santa will listen to kids’ wishes in a new locale this year; look for him at Gilbert’s starting at 6:30 p.m.
The Saturday date allows Houston Library to try something new. In the past, the library hosted a bookmobile during the celebration. This year, they are holding a youth breakfast instead at 9:30 a.m. with special guest, Frosty. Reservations are required; call 937-462-8047. The library invites children and teens to do crafts from 4:30 to 6 p.m. as usual.
Along with new twists, many tried-and-true activities remain on the Christmas celebration schedule, including events at the churches—a cookie walk at the Methodist Church; soup and sandwiches at St. Charles Catholic Parish Hall; Secret Santa gifts, cinnamon buns and a live nativity at First Presbyterian Church.
Carriage rides, a book giveaway at Charleston Pharmacy, DJ music, and raffles are just a few of the other features back on the schedule. Merchants are getting in on the fun, too, offering free goodies and games. With the exception of the library breakfast at 9:30 a.m. and the cookie walk from 1 to 6 p.m., activities will take place between 4:30 and 8 p.m.
“We hope everyone comes out and has a good time close to home,” Edwards said.
The next “Christmas in South Charleston” planning meeting is 6 p.m. Nov. 3 at Houston Library. for event details, go to www.christmasinsouthcharleston.org.
To volunteer, donate a raffle item or get more information, contact Larry Durfey at 937-462-7686 or Dave Edwards at 937-265-5304.
