By Stephen Smoot
The advent of the time in which the world celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ brings joyful celebrations of faith, family, and community. Since the month of September, the Pendleton County Chamber of Commerce has worked toward planning the event that, this year, will focus more on Main Street and its business community.
This came as a result of both internal discussion as well as ideas shared from two public forums for event planning.
Jared VanMeter, representing the chamber, shared the reason behind the decision. He stated that “as the chamber, our responsibility is to help businesses as much as we possibly can.” The goal lies in getting “more people in town” and the chamber has reached out to area businesses that close early on Saturday to see if they will remain open longer for the event.
VanMeter said that the response from Main Street and surrounding businesses was generally positive, stating that “most are very excited to see us bring things back to Main Street” although some businesses had not yet decided if they will remain open.
He emphasized that “we’re not trying to take away from what’s going on over the hill,” in terms of the activities in the vicinity of the community building.
Main Street Magic will also continue the tradition of the Christmas parade and Santa Claus greeting the children. Lineup starts at 5 p.m. at Franklin Elementary School and the parade will commence at 5:30.
Santa Claus may make appearances elsewhere, but he will certainly spend time after the parade at the Historic McCoy House, welcoming all to a traditional Christmas scene.
With temperatures expected to plummet next week and for the foreseeable future, the Family Resource Center will set up a warming station for the parade evening. This will allow those who struggle with the cold to enjoy the parade in relative comfort and safety.
Another feature of the Main Street focus lies in the closing of Walnut Street between noon and 9 p.m. This will allow space for vendors to set up booths and tents on the sidewalks. Van Meter stated that he had asked permission of every government, fire, and law enforcement agency relevant to the street. This ensured that all were aware.
Vendors will keep their stalls back far enough so that, if necessary, emergency responders can use the street.
Some Main Street businesses have already shown their Christmas spirit. The Korner Shop will offer breakfast with the Grinch while Elevated Grounds will be doing pictures.
A number of businesses also signed up to participate in the children’s Christmas trail. Between Nov. 25 and Dec. 6, the day of Main Street Magic, children can go to participating businesses, participate in an activity, and get a stamp. Enough stamps make the child eligible for a drawing.
