Lakewood will host Christmas in the Village on Saturday, Dec. 10, from noon-8 p.m.
The event includes holiday shopping with craft and gift vendors, local business sidewalk sales and restaurant food and drink specials along Chautauqua Avenue and other areas in Lakewood.
Merchant coupon books with special offers will be available to all shoppers throughout the day. The books will include a map of all vendor locations as well as a village basket giveaway game.
Several restaurants with plate specials, village businesses and a variety of festive gift vendors will be open between noon and 8 p.m. A list of merchants and vendors will be announced in mid-November.
A live reindeer will make an appearance from noon to 3:30 p.m., and the village invites the public to enjoy free horse drawn wagon rides from 4-6 p.m.
The Lakewood Museum located beneath the Village Hall, will be open for exhibits and treats between noon and 3 p.m. Children and families can also take part in a Christmas story time and take part in a holiday activity at the Lakewood Memorial Library from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive with their elves at 5 p.m. and will be available for children visits and photographs by parents until 8 p.m. During that time, Christmas carolers will sing. The day will end with a double tree lighting at 7:30 p.m. in Recognition Park on Chautauqua Avenue and 7:45 p.m. at Richard O. Hartley Park.
A villagewide residence and business holiday decorating contest is in the works, and local bakers are invited to enter the inaugural Holiday Pie and Cookie Contest during the event. Those participating in the free competition are asked to fill out a registration form at the Village Hall starting Monday. All baked entries must be dropped off by 4 p.m. on Dec. 10 for judging. Winners will be chosen based on best taste, and presentation. Ribbons will go to first, second and third places in each category.
“We want to bring a nostalgic, old-fashioned, spirit of the holiday season to the Village of Lakewood for the area residents,” said Mayor Cara Birrittieri. “Our Events and Marketing Committee members are working hard to put together an event full of family and friends, fun, and Christmas cheer.”
Interested vendors/merchants, or questions about Christmas in the Village, should call the Village of Lakewood office at 763-8557 or visit the Facebook page at Village of Lakewood.
The Village of Lakewood Events and Marketing Committee is also looking for event volunteers to assist with activities throughout the day. If interested, email Scott Mekus at smekus@eventzbyscott.com, or Brooke Wagner at brookeraejohnson@gmail.com.
Original articles by The Post-Journal.
