First Friday Channels Christmas With ‘Hometown Holly Days’
Posted
David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and downtown Warsaw and Central Park will be the places to be Friday to help get in the spirit.
The theme for December’s First Friday is “Hometown Holly Days.” It is 5 to 9 p.m. Friday downtown Warsaw.
Carriage Rides & Angel Tree
Carriage rides will be offered from 5 to 9 p.m. Cost is either a monetary donation, new unwrapped toy for the Salvation Army Angel Tree or nonperishable food goods for the Salvation Army pantry, according to First Friday coordinator Paula Bowman.
According to a news release from Ken Locke, Salvation Army Envoy and Warsaw Rotary Club member, the Rotary Club will hold its 92nd Annual “Rotary Toy Day” Friday, which was first observed in 1927 at the Hays Hotel. Members will bring toys to their club meeting on Friday and add them to the total downtown but also ask everyone to bring a donation to the Twinkle Light Parade Friday evening.
A container will also be at Central Park during the parade to collect new toys, hats, mittens and books for children in need. Other items are also welcomed such as hygiene products, socks, gloves and hats for families helping those affected by disaster through the Angel of Hope program.
Boxes will be at the following downtown merchants and businesses: Alderfer & Bergen & Co., Buffalo Street Emporium, Latte Lounge, Mad Anthony Brewing Co. and Warsaw Community Public Library. Containers will be at those businesses until Dec. 23.
The Salvation Army has given Christmas assistance since 1921 in Warsaw and developed the Angel Tree program in 1988. Donations help to ensure that families, many single parents, grandparents and those working but not making ends meet, celebrate the holiday with a meal and gifts for their children, according to Locke. Donations may also be dropped off at The Salvation Army, 501 E. Arthur St., Warsaw, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.
Ice Sculptures & Parade
Ice sculptures will be on display and the Optimist Santa House will be open all night. Bowman said there will be eight ice sculptures this year. Santa’s house will be at the corner of Center and Buffalo streets.
The Twinkle Light Parade starts at 6 p.m. The route starts at the old Owen’s, goes down Center Street past the city hall and county courthouse to Indiana Street, where it goes north on Indiana. The parade will go down to Central Park and then take the new Buffalo Street extension, past the lake, back up Buffalo Street to Main Street and end at the county courthouse, according to Bowman.
In the parade will be dancers from Lee Ann Stewart School of Dance, at least 10 city trucks decorated with lights, numerous churches, Parkview and Lutheran EMS vehicles and “anyone else who wants to show up,” Bowman said.
“Come see the big Christmas tree on the courthouse lawn. It’s just beautiful,” Bowman said.
Light Up The Night
Santa and Mrs. Claus will help lead the Twinkle Light Parade down to Central Park for the annual “Light Up the Night” event from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday.
The Clauses will stop at the Center Lake Pavilion where they will visit with children inside.
Face painters and balloon artists also will be inside the pavilion, along with kids’ crafts and activities.
The Grinch and other festive characters may be spotted during the evening’s events.
For more information about Light Up the Night, visit www.warsaw.in.gov/parks.
