Published: November 30, 2008 11:45 pm      

HOLIDAY: Celebrations kick off the holiday season in Medina, Albion

On Saturday, many across Orleans County celebrated the beginning of the holiday season. With parades, games, crafts and fun, residents in Albion and Medina got a jump start finding the Christmas spirit.

Medina

The Old Time Christmas Celebration was held throughout the day on Saturday. The event, which took place on Main Street, offered live entertainment, crafts, gifts and food.

“It turned out really cool,” said chairperson Lisa Trippensee. “I’m really happy. We’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback.”

Trippensee said that one of everyone’s favorite things was the free horse-drawn wagon and sleigh rides, which took people around the downtown area. Another favorite was Santa, who was escorted into town with his own parade.

“The parade drew in a lot of people,” Trippensee said. After receiving good feedback regarding the parade, suggestions were made to make the event larger and to hold it at night.

This year’s parade featured an escort by the Medina Police Department and Fire Department. Also, Medina Masons pulled a wagon featuring the Medina High School brass ensemble. Gracie’s Pampered Pets walked dogs, the Dance Theater performed and a sleigh pulled Santa, Mrs. Claus and several elves to the Presbyterian Church on Main Street, where Santa then took pictures with all of the children.

Throughout the day, Santa also walked around Main Street and to the different businesses, saying hello and visiting the children.

“Combining the two events went very well,” Trippensee said. “Next year will be even better. I want to thank the community and everyone that helped out with the event. I couldn’t do it with out them.”

Cindy Robinson, who is the other chairperson for the event, said that many people were happy with the cost of the day and said everything was very affordable for families.

“Things turned out great,” Robinson said. “I haven’t heard a bad remark. We also got a lot of good ideas for next year.”

Trippensee said she was happy to hear people from out of the area came to join in the festivities. She said that the day also gave a lot of business to the shops in the downtown area.

The night ended with the tree lighting ceremony at Rotary Park, where there was singing, an appearance from Santa and holiday fun.

“We want to make this a tradition,” Trippensee said. “An annual event and keep expanding it.”

Albion

The Albion Main Street Alliance held its annual holiday festival on Saturday. The event, which was held at the Albion Fire Hall, had a game room for children, Santa and many craft booths.

Chairman Larry Montell said that between the court jester Rosco, Santa and musician Tom Mark, that everyone was having fun.

“The game room is going well,” Montell said. “Also, the kids are making presents for their families.”

The event kicked off with Santa being pulled from the American Legion Hall to the fire hall by a four-wheeler and sled. Santa was then available for pictures with the children.

The Orleans County 4-H Rabbit Raisers were at the festival, with several different types of rabbits for people to pet.

“We talk about rabbits and let them pet them,” said Neil Johnson, county historian. “They wanted to add a little bit of color, so here we are.”

Another booth was the make and take, which was sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church of Albion’s youth group. The booth let children paint ornaments and back scratchers or make earrings for their parents. The proceeds helped the youth group go on a mission trip in Detroit.

Other activities included a basket raffle, more than 25 craft vendors and the Masons, who sold food.