Garrettsville – It was a record breaking crowd that gathered at the clock tower in Garrettsville last Saturday night as folks were ready to usher in the Christmas Season at Garrettsville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Clock Tower and Tree Lighting Ceremony. The cold, snowy weather didn’t deter folks from coming out celebrate the start of the Christmas season.
Folks arrived early and began lining up for a ride around the block in a horse drawn wagon. Wagon Master Sam Bixler and his wife Karen along with horses Caesar and Diego gave folks a free ride around the block as part of the evening’s festivities. Those who didn’t ride the wagon got into the spirit of the season by singing Christmas Carols with Debbie Darling as she led the crowd in a robust round of Holiday Classics.
The crowd cheered as the tree and clock tower were lit and Santa came roaring into town on the back of a fire truck greeting folks with the traditional “Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas!” Mayor Rick Patrick greeted Santa and Santa greeted the excited boys and girls, who couldn’t wait to tell him all their deepest desires. While folks waited in line to see Santa and get that great photo, they were treated to hot cocoa and cookies compliments of Garrettsville McDonalds.
Mayor Rick Patrick was asked how he thought the evening festivities went and he responded with “I am amazed at how many folks came out and how the event keeps growing every year!” He estimated that there were well over 300 in attendance and said it was a great night for the village.
The evening concluded with Mrs. Claus reading stories to the boys and girls at the Village Book Store and shopping at the many area businesses that remained open until 8pm giving folks had the opportunity work on filling their card with stamps for the shop local program. For every $5 one spends at local business they receive a stamp on their card once the card is full and they turn it in the will be entered into the Chamber’s drawing for $500 to be spent at local businesses.
