Christmas comes to Dover with traditional tree lighting and Night Before Christmas Reading

  • by Jennifer Kneuss
  • December 5, 2010
  • 304
                        
“’Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” So began Dover Mayor Richard Homrighausen, as, seated on a chair directly under the stoplight in the middle of town, he gave the traditional reading of The Night Before Christmas to a rapt audience of youngsters. They gathered in close around the mayor, many with steaming cups of hot cocoa in hand, as the familiar tale was told. The hot chocolate was plentiful, as both the Dover Lions Club and the First Moravian Church provided it on two different quadrants of the downtown square. Appreciative parade goers quickly snatched piles of cookies from the Italian-American Festival committee up, too. Nolan, 6, and Ethan, 4, Kellicker of Dover were attending the parade with their parents, Mark and Lisa. “We are here for the parade, mostly to see Santa,” said the boys’ mother, who was kept busy keeping up with the two active youngsters. “They are asking for everything at this age. Everything they see,” said Mark, as he laughed and shook his head. “You name it, it’s on the list. It’s all about the boys. They talk about Christmas every day. It never ends. They are very excited this year. They want a DS and DS games, and four wheelers are probably at the top of the list. Trucks, fire trucks, ambulances, all are on the list. I know Ethan wants Chuck the Dump Truck.” Nolan said he had already asked Santa for a Smart Scooter, and Ethan excitedly stated that he was wishing for a 4-wheeler and a helmet. Carolyn Vermillion, a lifetime Dover resident, was bundled against the cold, and when asked how many Christmas parades she has attended, she grinned. “I’ve been to more of these parades than I can remember! My daughter was always in the parade when she was in Dover Band, and I came to see her. Now I come just because I like to go out to parades with my neighbor. And no, I’m not here for the candy,” Vermilion added, nodding toward some nearby adults who were diving for the candy tossed out from parade entries as enthusiastically as the children were. Vermillion’s neighbor, Rose McDonald, was also in attendance. “I used to live in Zanesville, but I came here about six years ago. I’ve been coming to the Christmas parade ever since,” said the Tuscarawas County native. As the long line of parade units threaded along the parade route, the enthusiasm of the crowds never dimmed. Dover police had their hands full keeping the crowd back far enough to allow the floats to pass through. Gary Petricola once again provided a running commentary about all of the businesses and community organizations represented by the many units participating. “My sister’s in the band, so I’m here to watch her,” said Dover Middle School 8th grader Anthony Miceli. “ I try to come to the parade every year. As to what’s on my Christmas list? I would like to get some hunting gear, though I haven’t got to go out and deer hunt much this year. I’d like to get a 12 gauge instead of a 20 gauge.” He also noted that he didn’t care to compete for any candy this year. Drew and Barb Yosick, Dover Township residents, came in to town to watch their son march in the Dover Band. They wore heavy fur hats with earflaps, and admitted that in spite of the cold, they were glad to be present for the traditional event. “We come to the Dover Christmas parade every year,” noted Drew. “It’s a great way for Barb and I to kick off the Christmas season together.”


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