FREDERICKTOWN — Fredericktown marked the start of the holiday season as people took to the streets for the village’s annual Christmas Walk and tree lighting ceremony on Saturday evening.
The chilly temperatures and slight breeze did not stop folks from spreading Christmas cheer and viewing lights and decorated trees. And, of course, they took a seat on Santa’s lap.
Festively, but also warmly, dressed people gathered around the village gazebo as the Fredericktown High School Choir sang classic Christmas carols.
The big man himself sat across the street by a fire. He handed out candy canes to all the nice-list hopefuls and listened to their Christmas wish lists.
Families crafted and colored ornaments and holiday cards and caught up with old friends in the basement of the First Presbyterian Church.
Barbara Walker-Simpson organized the craft event.
“Many people meet each other, greet each other, chat, and the kids see other kids that they know. It’s just a really nice way to interact with the community,” she said.
Heading upstairs, vendors with a variety of handcrafted items greeted holiday shoppers as they came inside to warm up.
It was the first time Shannon Kemmerling, owner of Frizzy Mom Creative, attended the Fredericktown Christmas Walk as a vendor. She said she really valued the community’s strength.
Kemmerling, who sells infant and toddler clothes and products, said she particularly enjoyed seeing how tall the families had grown over the year.
Christmas trees and reindeer
Farther down Main Street was a Christmas tree-decorating competition, where passersby voted for their favorite tree. Local businesses sponsored the trees, vying for a glass Christmas tree-like trophy as the winner.
Across from the Christmas trees, two reindeer who escaped from Santa’s warehouse willingly posed for photos for all who came by.
The village held its annual auction in the council chambers, featuring everything from baked goods to hand-crafted items. Proceeds are donated to Fredericktown Interchurch Social Services, the Fredericktown Community Relief Foundation, and The Salvation Army.
Below are some photos from Saturday evening’s Christmas festivities. Credit: Jack Slemenda
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