The weather outside the new Warsaw Community Development Corp.'s office couldn't have contrasted more with discussions taking place during Tuesday's meeting.

Rain fell constantly as Director Carmen Lock discussed plans for the downtown area to prepare for the coming Christmas season. Throughout this week, workers will decorate the downtown and Central Park with Christmas lights, wreaths and other holiday garnishes.

Carriage rides will be available downtown Dec. 3 from 5 to 9 p.m. Rides will be $5 per person (ages 3 and up), or $4 with a non-perishable food donation. All food collected will go to the Salvation Army food bank. Rides will start in the National City Bank parking lot.

Downtown shops also will have special hours and sales during the weekend of Dec. 2.

Lock also reported the October Spooktakular was a great success. The event drew its biggest crowd, and Lock said there were few complications in overall operations.

"I can't thank the Warsaw Breakfast Optimists enough for their help with every part of Spooktakular," Lock said. "Things went very smoothly thanks to them."

Lock also commended Miller's Merry Manor and local realtors for their support.

In other issues, President John Elliott informed members of the need for new office furniture for WCDC's new office location. Chairs and conference tables are needed for the organization, which Elliott said would be important if they are able to recruit new members for next year. By next year, 25-30 potential new members will be advised to join the corporation.

Before ending the meeting, Elliott made sure to commend various businesses and individuals on their efforts to improve the Warsaw downtown.

"Though we don't have an overwhelming amount of activity in the area, I'm greatly pleased at what has taken place recently," Elliott said. "We're very fortunate that many are helping out our efforts." [[In-content Ad]]