If you missed the arrival last weekend of Santa and Mrs. C in Mantua, don’t fret. The holidays have just begun in this festive Village. On Thursday, the Village will once again host an evening holiday event with enough Christmas magic to expand even the grinchiest of hearts. It’s called Merry Evening in the Village, and it takes place this Thursday, December 7th from 5-8 pm.
During this event, shoppers will have the opportunity to take advantage of afterhours sales and specials at local shops and check out a special holiday Farmers & Makers Market at the Granary. In addition, free carriage rides through the village will be available, although registration is required.
In addition to the festivities, the Mantua Rotary will be hosting a decorated Christmas tree auction. “This is the first time Rotary has sponsored something like this,” noted Rotary member Susan Steinberg. “We were unable to find people wanting to open up their homes this year – probably due to COVID concerns,” she shared. Instead the group came up with another way to spread holiday cheer.
A total of twenty artificial Christmas trees were purchased by the Rotary Club of Mantua, who in turn challenged local businesses and organizations to decorate these three-foot table-top trees for a silent auction. These trees are displayed in businesses throughout the Village, many festooned with ornaments depicting the shop they came from. All trees are available for purchase through a silent auction.
While some trees are displayed in the shops that decorated them, 10 trees are showcased at Crooked River Flowers, Gifts, and More. While admiring each tree, viewers will have the opportunity to place bids for the opportunity to take home their favorites. Lists of other locations are available at each shop letting shoppers know where to find the others. Top bid for teach tree will be notified by phone as to where and when to pick up their tree. Proceeds from the sale of trees will be used to fund the service projects sponsored by Mantua Rotary.
So don’t delay — the trees are currently on display at shops and businesses only through December 10th, at which time, they’ll be raffled to the highest bidder via a silent auction. Every tree will have a bid sheet at whichever location you find them, providing the opportunity to bring home their favorite to gift or enjoy at home for years to come.
Why not plan to come to Mantua Village on December 7th for the Merry Evening in Mantua when shops will be open, horse drawn carriage rides are available, and the Farmers and Makers Market is open? Steinberg encourages you to come visit Mantua to enjoy the festivities, the shopping, and of course—see the collection of decorated Christmas trees. Bids will be taken now through December 10.
