Bolivar Christmas on the Canal set for Nov. 11
Visitors to Bolivar’s Christmas on the Canal event this year will see a remodeled Santa House inside and out. Children can visit Santa and Mrs. Claus and drop their letters to Santa in a special mailbox on the new deck.
Families who just can’t wait for Christmas can ring in the holidays early at Christmas on the Canal in Bolivar on Nov. 11 from 3:30-7 p.m. Sponsored by the Bolivar Main Street Association, Christmas on the Canal has been going for more than 20 years.
Event co-chair Barbie Patterson said the Santa House on Canal Street has been entirely remodeled inside and the worn outdoor deck has been replaced. Kayla Patton, co-owner of the Canal Street Diner, chairs the event with Patterson.
“We used funds from the Strawberry Festival plate auction to update the inside of Santa’s House and replace the deck and railing outside,” Patterson said. “I can’t wait for people to get in there and see it. It’s amazing.”
The Santa House is where children whisper their Christmas wishes into Santa’s ear and meet Mrs. Claus and Santa’s elves.
New this year, the American Legion Hall on Canal Street will be transformed into Santa’s Workshop, where children can make Christmas tree ornaments and crafts and write letters to Santa. Those letters can then be dropped in a special mailbox at the Santa House before being delivered to the North Pole.
Also in Santa’s Workshop, families can pose for a professional holiday photo for $5.
“The photos are being taken by Jo Creative Co., and she is donating the money back to the BMSA, so all funds will benefit the organization and go toward future events,” Patterson said.
Santa’s arrival
The event will kick off with a Christmas parade at 3:30 p.m., when Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in town aboard a fire truck.
“The way the kids’ faces light up when they see Santa coming into town makes everyone’s day and really brightens my heart,” Patterson said.
The parade will be announced by Bolivar Council member Tim White, with the lineup including Cedar Crest Farms, the local Jeep Club, the Commercial & Savings Bank, the Jenn Weisman 4-H club, the Tuscarawas County Library and the Little Roaming Railroad.
Following the parade, Little Roaming Railroad will provide train rides through the village during the event, and Cedar Crest Farms will offer hay rides, both of which are free of charge.
Loads of goodies
Patterson said each child will take home a free goodie bag donated by the Tuscarawas County Library, and Hennis Care Centre of Bolivar has donated cookies.
Kids and adults can warm up with a cup of hot chocolate at one of the warming stations while Christmas music fills the air.
Santa’s mailbox
A special mailbox for children’s letters to Santa will remain in front of the Santa House for about a month so children who can’t make the event can still send a wish list to the jolly old elf.
“All children who drop a letter to Santa in the box by Dec. 4 will receive an answer from Santa himself,” Patterson said.
In addition to Christmas on the Canal, BMSA sponsors the Bolivar Strawberry Festival and the Canal Street Cruise-In Car Show. All proceeds from events are dedicated toward improvements and enhancements in the village.
“It is very important to us that the community knows what we do with the funds we receive,” said Bob Smith, president of BMSA. “The total Santa House project was approximately $26,000 for all phases, beginning in 2022. It is truly a magical place that area children will enjoy for many years to come.”