Annual event in Sharon to increase family-friendly activities
By Heather Ruenz
SLN staff
Though this Friday will mark the 23rd year Sharon will host its Victorian Christmas, organizers have put forth an effort to maintain the original features while attempting to breathe new life into the event.
“We are trying to bring back the fun and adventure of the Victorian past by being more family-oriented with many things to do at our event,” said Kim Jacobs, of the Historic Downtown Sharon organization.
It’ll begin at 5 p.m. and feature happenings throughout town.
“Our famous town bum will be roasting and selling chestnuts on the corner by the bank. There will be plenty of entertainment and warming areas along with a chance to visit with Santa, of course,” Jacobs said.
The tree lighting, featuring Village President Mark Ruosch and State Rep. Amy Loudenbeck, will be at 6 p.m., while the lighted horse carriage parade is set to begin rolling at 7:30 p.m.
The carriage parade is one of the main features of the event, and weather permitting, a record number of carriages are expected this year, Jacobs said.
From 5 to 8 p.m. the Friends of Brigham Memorial Library will be holding their annual Baker’s Dozen cookie sale. And at 6:30 p.m., the library will have a reading to children of “The Polar Express” by a Victorian librarian. The library also will have some gift mugs and baskets for sale.
A holiday event isn’t so without music so organizers have that covered as well.
“Carolers of all ages – including local elementary and high school kids – will be around and we will have a traveling magician to entertain,” she said.
In addition to wagon rides, carolers and dog sled demonstrations, there will be several places to warm up – the community center will have chili, soup and hot dogs along with other food items, the bank will have treats and the funeral home will feature crafters and vendors.
One of the newest areas Jacobs said she is most pleased about is the children’s area, which will feature old-fashioned games.
“It’s important to keep this an event the whole family can enjoy,” she said.
Speaking of kids, a group of local students helped prepare the downtown for the annual event. Sharon Community School art students – with guidance from teacher Mary Beth Huff – painted windows with holiday themes a couple of weekends ago and made decorations for the trees, including the large village tree.
“Village workers put the school ornaments on the huge tree and it looks fantastic. The kids did great,” Jacobs said.
For more information, call Historic Downtown Sharon at 262-736-6246.
