By Terry Duffy

Editor-in-Chief

Holiday celebrations in the River Region will head up north on Saturday, Dec. 9, with the return of Youngstown’s annual “Christmas in the Village.”

Presented by the Village of Youngstown and its business community, this daylong event – with its theme of holiday gnomes – will feature a number of Christmas activities for visitors of all ages in the Youngstown Red Brick Village Center, 240 Lockport St., and throughout the village.

“We welcome you to enjoy ‘Christmas in Village’!” Mayor Rob Reisman said.

Activities at the Red Brick get underway at 11 a.m. and continue to 3 p.m. There, younger visitors can enjoy crafting-making in the Youngstown Free Library while adults can peruse some holiday gift ideas at the library’s basket raffle. The draw takes place at 3 p.m. In the Red Brick gym, a vendor’s market will take place, providing still more gift-buying ideas. Look for Christmas crafts and ornaments, along with such goodies as jewelry, homemade Afghans, candles, those holiday gnomes, and home décor items, along with sales of cookies, breads and honey; skincare offerings and clothing options.

In the Village Center parking lot, visitors can welcome Santa at noon as he arrives via the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Co.’s brand-new ambulance. YVFC members also will hold a ceremonial dedication.

Still more events include Santa time and a story for the little ones in the Red Brick’s Cora Gushee Room; judging for a Christmas coloring contest presented by the Youngstown Recreation Department that’s open to children and adults; servings of free hot dogs and popcorn provided by members of the Youngstown Lions Club; plus, community fellowship with drinks, crafts and a raffle in the Porter Historical Society Museum. Also, an open house at VFW Lake Ontario Post 313 with coloring for the kids; and still more holiday crafts in the Red Brick community room.

Up at Old Fort Niagara, the “Christmas by Candlelight” program will be staged on Dec. 9 and 16; while over at the Ontario House at Main and Lockport streets, the Youngstown Garden Club will open its holiday tours of this historical building, with visits continuing through Saturday Dec. 17. (See related story).

“We will have free popcorn and hot dogs from the Youngstown Lions. Take a stroll with the free horse and carriage ride, visit with Santa, and make a visit through our business district,” Reisman said.

Participating village merchants include Sister and Brother children’s apparel, Barker Outdoors, Anchor Spirits, Everything Youngstown, Organique Skincare and Wellness; plus, food and drink options from the Ontario House (Stone Jug), the Village Diner, the Youngstown Marketside Café, the Hill of Beans Coffee Shop; and goodies from Petey Treats.

For more information, visit the Village of Youngstown pages on Facebook.

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A mailbox for letters to Santa outside the Red Brick. (Submitted/file photo)