By Terry Duffy
Editor-in-Chief
Things are shaping up nicely for "Christmas in the Village," starting at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Village of Youngstown.
With that in mind, Mayor Raleigh Reynolds has issued a welcome to check out Youngstown's annual holiday happening. A few items suggested by the mayor include:
•The annual Christmas Market, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the gym of the Red Brick Village Center.
Vendors are local and include products from natural dog treats, to local honey, baked goods, desserts and dips, quilting, clothing, bath and beauty, crafts, jewelry and houseplants, as well as informational tables for local organizations.
Check out the wide variety of holiday offerings, plus live music by Step-in-Time in the gym from noon until 2 p.m.
•Carriage rides will be provided by Hartland Carriage with pickup and drop-off at the Village Center. Rides start at noon and continue until 4 p.m.
•Santa and special guests will stop to visit with the little ones from 1-3 p.m. in the Cora Gushee Room of the Village Center. The Youngstown Recreation Department will also offer craft-making plus offerings of tasty Christmas cookies for all.
Throughout the day, the village will be alive with many, varied holiday activities. Included are unique shopping experiences found in the Main-Lockport streets business district; holiday treats at village eateries and pubs; hands-on interactive history demonstrations and activities, with the "Castle by Candlelight" fundraiser at Old Fort Niagara; and the entertaining holiday comedy "Nuncrackers" continuing Saturday and Sunday at the First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown.
"Spend the day and enjoy a host of holiday happenings throughout the village," Reynolds said.
River Region residents are reminded the Youngstown Community Baskets campaign continues this weekend, presented by the Youngstown Civic Guild. Chair Rita Rolfe said food and gift donations will be accepted Saturday at the Red Brick gym, and also picked up Sunday by Boy Scout Troop 829 members. They will stop by village residences. Donations also will be accepted throughout the weekend with drop-offs at village businesses.
Over coming days, Youngstown Civic Guild members and volunteers will be busy with gift-wrapping of presents and assembling of holiday food boxes for distribution to needy families in the area.
Those interested in assisting the Youngstown Civic Guild on this effort should call the Youngstown village office at 716-745-7721.
