Ransomville Lighting of the Wreaths returns Nov. 30-Dec. 1

By Terry Duffy

Editor-in-Chief

Preparations are moving ahead in the Town of Porter with Ransomville’s Lighting of the Wreaths festival next weekend. The annual event takes over the hamlet Saturday, Nov. 30, and Sunday, Dec. 1, with a whole host of holiday happenings in store.

Organized by the Ransomville Business and Professional Association and various community groups, the event opens Saturday afternoon with a welcome spaghetti dinner from 4-6 p.m. at the Ransomville Free Methodist Church, 3924 Ransomville Road. That evening, the RBPA presents the Lock City Sounds in concert from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Ransomville Baptist Church, 2573 Youngstown Lockport Road. Open to the public, the concert is a free-will donation event and features a 50/50 raffle.

On Sunday, the wreaths celebration continues, with all-day family-oriented events including a hearty pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon at the O. Leo Curtiss American Legion Post 830 hall, 2589 Youngstown Lockport Road. Donations are welcome, with all proceeds going to benefit the Ransomville Free Library.

From there, it’s holiday fun for all ages, with activities including a craft and vendor fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jills Play Yard, 3745 Ransomville Road; and pictures with Santa and various kids’ activities at the Ransomville Volunteer Fire Co. firehall, 2521 Youngstown Lockport Road. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024, the fire company is collecting hats, scarves, mittens, gloves and socks for all ages at the firehall, and welcomes donations to help the needy.

Still more Sunday afternoon events include an open house and living Nativity display from noon to 3 pm. at the Ransomville Methodist Church, and a basket raffle from noon to 3:30 p.m. at the Ransomville Baptist Church. From 12:30-2:30 p.m., visitors can partake in children’s crafts and view the winning entries of children’s holiday posters and photos at the Ransomville Free Library, 3733 Ransomville Road.

There’s cookie decorating at the Care ‘n Share Food Pantry, 3628 Ransomville Road; and open house events at the Ransomville Historical Room, located behind the library and at other nearby locations.

The day will also feature drop-offs of new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots at Post 830 and the library; and an Eagle Wood Carving display at the library. There will be a hay wagon shuttle available for visitors from noon to 4 p.m., running from the Methodist Church.

The annual Ransomville Festival of Wreaths Parade opens at 3 p.m. from the Ransomville Free Library. The holiday fun wraps up with closing ceremonies at the Ransomville Baptist Church. Winners of the various festival contests and raffles are expected to be announced, followed by the lighting of the wreath and music by the Free Methodist Church choir.

For more information on this event, visit [email protected] or contact the RCPA at 716-791-8980.