Published: November 24, 2009 12:30 pm      

'Tis the season in Medina

Olde Tyme Christmas rings in the holiday season

MEDINA — Hoping to bring holiday cheer and spirit to Medina, the committee for the Olde Tyme Christmas Celebration has planned more events to appeal to everyone.

“We wanted to have more of a variety,” said committee member Lisa Trippensee. “The larger the event, the more we’ll attract that will stay in Medina. That’s the ultimate goal.”

She said that by offering new events and accommodating different price ranges, there will be something for everyone.

“It’s pretty inexpensive,” Trippensee said. “There will be free sleigh rides, free coffee and hot chocolate, free music and dance performances. Everything is very reasonable.”

The celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday in the downtown Medina area. Big attractions include the Santa’s Arrival Parade at noon and the Parade of Lights at 6 p.m. From noon to 3 p.m., horse-drawn wagon/sleigh rides will be given on Main Street and from 12:30 to 2 p.m., photos with Santa will take place in Rotary Park.

Music and dance performances will be held throughout the day, including performances at 3 p.m. by the Dance Theater in Rotary Park; 2 p.m. Christmas songs by Jenna DeVries in the Presbyterian Church; a 3:30 p.m. musical performance at First Baptist Church; and at 4:30 p.m. local harpist Patricia Worrad will perform at St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Lots of food and craft vendors will be lined up along Main Street offering bake goods, candles, Christmas decor and more.

“We’ll try and make it different every year,” Trippensee said. “We already have ideas for next year.”

Children’s activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at various locations. Activities include a scavenger hunt, story time, craft time, a coloring contest and popcorn stringing.

Adults can also make their own swag for $10 and see a basket-making demonstration at Apple Blossom Florist.

Telling the tale of “The Night Before Christmas,” local business will display a phrase from the story in their storefronts. According to organizer Jaye Sullivan, more than 20 businesses will be participating and displaying the 28 signs, bringing the story to life.

“All the businesses are very excited,” she said. “It’s something different to do.”

A “Christmas Tour of Homes” will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Seven sites will open up their doors for a tour.

Organizer Adam Tabelski said that people are asked to start at the Medina Historical Society, 406 West Avenue, where they will present their tickets and receive a map, brochure and booties, so mud is not tracked into the sites.

“We’re offering something a little bit different,” Tabelski said. “It’s a fundraiser for the historical society and to add to the activities going on downtown.”

After starting at the museum, people can then go at their own pace and any order.

Open houses include the Walders home, 309 Mead Avenue; Shirt Factory Cafe, 115 West Center St.; Historic Village Bed and Breakfast, 233 West Center St.; the Blackburn home, 901 West Center St.; Shawn’s Gate Art Studio and Gallery, 409 Main St.; and the Tabelski home, 417 West Oak Orchard St.

Tickets for “Christmas Tour of Homes” are $10 and can be purchased at the Shirt Factory Cafe or NAPA Auto Parts before the event, or at the Medina Historical Society the day of.

Also that day, from 7 to 9 p.m., a “Warm Winter Wonders” GOART artist reception will be held at the Shirt Factory Cafe.

Contact reporter Rikki Casonat 798-1400, ext. 8227.