November 6, 2009 – Our Town – Delaware

Ho, Ho, Ho…Who Wouldn’t Go?
Downtown Delaware announces seasonal celebrations

Photo courtesy of McCormick & Company, Inc.

Santa will arrive in Delaware on November 22 during Delaware’s 32nd annual Christmas Parade. Afterward, the jolly old elf will be in his house at 59 N. Sandusky St. to greet area children and hear their Christmas wishes.

Ohio Wesleyan University President Rock Jones and his wife, Melissa, will serve as this year’s parade marshals.

The Christmas Parade will step off at 3 p.m. from Mingo Park, 99 E. Lincoln Ave., and proceed south through the historic downtown to Wilmer Street. The theme of this year’s parade is “gingerbread.”

But if you’re ready to get the holiday party started now, then plan to attend Main Street Delaware’s November 6 “First Friday,” which will feature free children’s arts and crafts, as well as late-night shopping and dining opportunities. Be sure to visit B. Cause Boutique, 29 N. Sandusky St., where you can turn in three receipts from your night’s shopping for a chance to win gift certificates for Delaware-area attractions.

In December, Main Street Delaware’s December 4 First Friday event promises to be both merry and bright as the community comes together for the city’s annual Tree Lighting ceremony. The event will take place on the corner of William and Sandusky Streets, next to the fountain.

The evening also will feature musicians and carolers on the streets to add to the festive atmosphere. And beginning that same night, Santa will be in his house from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each Friday and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. each Saturday through December 19.

“This is a true community celebration,” says Frances Jo Hamilton, executive director of Main Street Delaware. “So many people come together to help brighten the holidays with the tree lighting. It’s a great time of year.”

Among those helping with this year’s event are Steve Beard, who is providing the 25-foot Norway spruce that will serve as the city’s Christmas tree, and Craig Wanner of Wanner Metal Worx Inc., who is making a special stand to hold the tree in place. The event is supported with a grant from Delaware’s Hiram Masonic Lodge No. 18.

“I hope everyone will plan to enjoy the season in the city,” Hamilton says.

For those looking for even more holiday cheer, the Women’s City Club of Delaware will host its Holiday Home Tour from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. December 5, says Debbie Aburmaieleh, an event organizer.

“There will be a great selection of homes from old and grand to new and wonderful,” Aburmaieleh promises. “This tour is a do-not-miss!”

Home Tour tickets are $10 in advance and $12 on the day of the event. Among the nine homes featured on the tour will be OWU’s Pritchard House, the home of President Jones and his family. The tour will step off from the Women’s City Club at 135 N. Franklin St., where participants will pick up a program of homes and enjoy refreshments. For more information or tickets, visit www.wccdelaware.org.

Next, you’re invited to join Ohio Wesleyan on December 6 for the second annual lighting of the campus’s Ron Hudler Memorial Christmas tree. Hudler’s family donated the tree, a 14-foot spruce, to the University in 2008 in memory of the 1956 OWU graduate. The Hudler tree lighting will be held at 5:30 p.m. just north of the South Sandusky Street entrance. Everyone is invited to enjoy caroling, camaraderie, and refreshments.

Finally, the Central Ohio Symphony will ring in the season December 13 with concerts at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. in OWU’s Gray Chapel. The identical concerts will include the Capriccio! choir and the Symphony’s Young Strings ensemble, featuring the best youth string performers in Delaware County. For more information on these sounds of the season, visit www.centralohiosymphony.org.

Ho-ho-hope you are able to enjoy these many festivities!

– Cole Hatcher