Window Wonderland and Community Tree Lighting Events Merge

  • By: Karen Skubik
  • November 4, 2014
  • 390
                        
In the heart of downtown Wooster two traditions that in the past have been held on different dates will become one when Window Wonderland and the Community Tree Lighting events merge to welcome children of all ages to kick off the holiday season on Friday, November 21st. Window Wonderland which is usually held the Friday before Thanksgiving, will continue to stimulate a feeling of anticipation as Santa arrives by descending from the Gallery in the Vault rooftop and the downtown businesses reveal their creative storefront displays. Many look forward to the lighting of the Children’s Tree on the corner of Liberty and Market Streets during the festive celebration and they will not be disappointed this year when a beautiful evergreen donated by Don Strock and decorated by Century Link and Ida Sue School will be lit by Michael Reardon, a long-time event sponsor. The Community Tree atop Madison Hill at Wooster’s south end has in the past been illuminated a week or two later in the season during a musical celebration to remember Wooster’s special connection to the traditional Christmas Tree when Bavarian native August Imgard wanted to share the symbol of peace, love, and hope in the new world. The music and celebratory spirit will still fill the Friday evening air when Stan Gault flicks a remote switch in Public Square to light the Community Tree that stands at the entrance to Wooster Cemetery near Imgard’s tomb. Sandra Hull, executive director of Main Street Wooster, said “We will bring together two community traditions by lighting the two trees at the same time.” Every year a different Wooster citizen is selected to light each tree. “Stan Gault and Michael Reardon were chosen by virtue of their contributions to the downtown and to the community over these may years”, explained Hull. Almost every downtown business will be open, many providing refreshments, activities, music, and even special deals on their merchandise during the 7 – 9:30 pm event. Live reindeer will be part of the fun as well as Santa and Mrs. Claus, a caricature artist, Herky the Clown, Buehler’s walking pineapples, and the list goes on. While some businesses make a tradition out of their special contribution to Window Wonderland, be it free hot cider, holiday cookie samples, or 10% off store purchases, other proprietors like to branch out each year. Ride On bike shop is even treating visitors to something new at two locations as they transition from their current location on North Market Street to their future store on South Street. Bill Buckwalter of Ride On thought it was a great idea when someone approached them to set up a live nativity scene at their South Street storefront, but they also plan to offer child bike trailer “sleigh” rides driven by costumed Christmas characters at their store on Public Square. After starting the conversion of a bike to look like a reindeer, Buckwalter said, “We thought it would be fun for the kids”. And fun is certainly what the combined events are all about. Walking a block or two off the main drag, even more events can be found happening on the same day. For 35 years the Wayne County Potters Guild has held a pre-Thanksgiving sale showcasing one of a kind hand crafted items. The sale is open to the public from 4 – 9 p.m. In addition the Red Cross Chapter House will be open to display trees, wreaths, and centerpieces for their 24th annual Festival of Trees. It will be hard to know which way to walk on November 21st with music, singing, refreshments, crafts, and the holiday spirit at every turn.


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