Olde Pickerington Village is decked out for an old-fashioned holiday that will even put a twinkle in the eye of the Jolly Old Elf.
The Olde Pickerington Village Holiday Gathering, sponsored by the Olde Pickerington Village Business Association and the city of Pickerington Parks and Recreation Department, begins at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6.
According to Pickerington Parks and Recreation Director Rebecca Medinger, approximately 500 people attended the festivities last year.
As part of the annual holiday affair, there will be carriage rides, strolling carolers, gift ideas, free children’s activities and even a visit from Santa.
At 7:30 p.m., the tree in Gazebo Park will be lit to usher in the holidays.
Even though the gathering officially ends at 8:30 p.m., the fun in the Village is just beginning.
Pickerington residents can warm the hands, heads and hearts of those in need over the holidays by stopping by City Hall, located at 100 Lockville Rd., to decorate the Dorothy Steiger Memorial Mitten Tree from Dec. 6-18.
Donations of hats, mittens, gloves and other warm gear will be given to help local families and charities.
For children hoping to make Santa’s “nice” list this year, Old Saint Nicholas will be reading all the cards and letters left at City Hall from Nov. 27-Dec. 11.
Santa’s North Pole Express Mailbox is located in front of City Hall.
Please remember that this is a very busy time for Old Saint Nick, so he needs parents to include the child’s name and return address so Santa has enough time to write back.
For children who want to dine with Santa, the annual breakfast with him will be held Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Pickerington Senior Center from 8 a.m.-noon.
Tickets, which can be purchased at the Parks and Recreation Department, are $5 per person. Children ages 2 and under are free.
All proceeds benefit the Pickerington Senior Center, a co-sponsor of the event.
Besides an opportunity for children to review their wish lists with Santa and have their pictures taken with him, there will be a Secret Santa Workshop, a bake sale, crafts, music, clowns and many other activities to ring in the holidays.
