This has been another wonderful year for Christmas in the Park, said local realtor Jan McInturf, of the annual event his business provides for the community at Tuscora Park. This is our 14th annual event. We have a large crowd, in fact, weve had thousands. It is always heartwarming for me to get the compliments that we get. People come up to me and say thank you, and that theyve done this for years as a family tradition. It is a family oriented event that has an impact on the community, and Im proud of that. Christmas in the Park was held on December 20.
McInturf had the idea for the celebration after he experienced similar events in larger cities.
Tuscora Park is such a gem here in the community. I talked to the city people, and the park people, about allowing us to open up for this one night. They said sure, so that was our first year. It has really taken off, and has become something that stands on its own. Im just along for the ride now, and its a wonderful ride, let me tell you, said McInturf, chuckling.
I have a lot of volunteers. Everyone works hard. Our whole staff of 22, plus our affiliates like the Tuscarawas Title Company, Ross Koher with Wells Fargo, we have Alban Title, American Title, and Dave Hanhart was down there helping with the pony rides. My kids are helping out here tonight, too. We serve at least 2,000 cups of hot cocoa, and 960 hot dogs. Everything is free, except for the hot dogs. That money this year goes to the New Phila band for their trip to Hawaii next year. They were here helping tonight, walking around as costumed characters – a snowman, a walking Christmas tree. There are reindeer, and a live Nativity scene for people to enjoy.
New this year is La Flavour, who is playing from 7 to 9 pm. We also had Laura Schupbach, Jerome James, and Scott Miller singing. The indoor entertainment helps people to have something to do to get warm.
A big hit for the evening are the five teams of horse drawn wagons taking people for rides through the park and Storybook Lane.
Ron and Mary Fotheringham, along with their two young sons, Riley and Kyler, were enjoying the evenings festivities.
We just love seeing the reindeer, and going on the rides. But the best part of all is the carriage rides, with the horses, and seeing Storybook Lane. The lights on the carriages, as well as the clip clop of the horses hooves, make it special, said Mary.
I liked when they carved the ice, piped up Kyler.
I actually liked the hot chocolate best, because it has sugar! chimed in Tyler enthusiastically.
Roman McInturf, 10, and his younger brother Evan, 8, were on hand to help their father with the nights events.
My favorite thing is dressing as an elf, and helping take pictures with Santa, noted Roman. Evans favorite activity was watching the ice sculptures being created by former Akron University culinary arts professor Richard Alford and his apprentice, Cinneaia Johnson.
Santa Claus was kept busy all night as hundreds of children clambered into his lap inside the warm park pavilion to share their fondest wishes. When asked about his plans for Christmas Eve, Santa did not hesitate.
For Christmas Eve, I have to get my sleigh ready, and make sure the kids are good. Ill have to leave around midnight, and make sure my reindeer are ready to go. Ho, ho, ho, and Merry Christmas!
