Strasburg Christmas in the Village to return
Joseph, Mary, baby Jesus, wisemen and shepherds
The 14th annual Christmas in the Village will be held Dec. 14 in Strasburg. The event will feature a 5k run and fun walk, a Christmas parade, the live nativity at 516 N. Wooster Ave., and Santa Claus at the fire station at 125 Second St. NE.
The third annual Rudolph Run 5k and Fun Walk will kick off at 10 a.m. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. at the Strasburg administration building at 140 N. Bodmer Ave. The cost is $35 for preregistration for the 5k, and the walk is $25. All those who finish will receive a medal. The race will begin at 10 a.m. and the fun walk at 10:05 a.m. The course will turn right on Garber Drive Southwest, to Central Avenue, to Dundee Strasburg Road, then continue down Tiger Drive and return to the administration building. The event is a fundraiser for the Parent Teacher Group.
Get hot chocolate and cookies. Register prior to Thanksgiving and receive a chance to win cash prizes. To be guaranteed a shirt, register by Dec. 2, and dogs are welcome. The best dressed dog will receive a prize.
To register for the 5k run or walk, visit www.runsignup.com/Race/OH/Strasburg/TheRudolphRun.
Justin Hite, director of the Rudolph Run and the Christmas parade, said last year about 140 participated in the 5k and fun walk. He said runners described the course as challenging. For questions call Hite at 330-447-8175 or Nicole Yant at 330-705-4430.
Registration for the Christmas parade will be held at 3 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 211 Eighth St. SW, and lineup will be on Fernsell Avenue. The parade will step off at 4 p.m. from Seventh Street Southwest and travel on Bodmer Avenue to the school. There is no cost to enter the parade.
Santa Claus will ride in the parade; however, no other Santas are allowed to participate. Children should bring a container to gather candy. Candy should be wrapped. Parking is available at the school, and golf carts will be available to shuttle visitors to the live nativity and the fire station to visit with Santa Claus. Cookies and beverages will be served at the live nativity and refreshments and food at the fire station.
The live nativity is sponsored by individuals at St. John United Church of Christ, First Lutheran, United Methodist and Cross Connections churches.
“It is rare to have so much teamwork with the churches and others,” said Elizabeth Slater, director of Christmas in the Village. “Our committee is very proud to be able to provide a free event in the village. This event could not happen without the generous volunteers that help year after year to bring the community Christmas in the Village.”
Visitors will be able to view the live nativity from 5-7 p.m. Many individuals will portray Mary, Joseph, the wise men and shepherds. Visitors will see live animals and Jazzy the camel, who has been at the site the past four years. It is not a petting farm; it is a theatrical presentation of the birth of Jesus. There will be stage lighting complete with sound.
Jill Jordan Burke will provide live music, and T-County Uke Squad will perform at the nativity with ukuleles. Katie Vickers serves as public relations officer for the event.
Santa Claus will be at the fire station from 5-7 p.m. to greet children. Each child will receive a gift and a treat. Food and refreshments will be served. Photos can be taken with Santa Claus.
The live nativity is sponsored by the churches in the village and others, and the event at the fire station is hosted by village council. Visitors are reminded to dress for the weather. The event will be held rain or shine.