By Sue Moore
Schoolcraft is known for its Christmas Walk that Norma Tackett originated some 26 years ago. This year she is cutting back due to some health issues and will just celebrate the Open House on Saturday, December 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at her antique store on Grand Street. The rest of the activities sponsored by the downtown merchants, churches and Ladies Library will continue on the same for Friday evening from 5-9 p.m. and Saturday during the day, said Tackett.
In Vicksburg, the Downtown Development Authority, under the tutelage of Kathleen Hoyle, is working to coordinate and expand on the December 6 activities in the village. The usual holiday parade will step off at 10:30 and meander through downtown, dropping Santa and Mrs. Claus off at the Community Center to greet any children who want to make a wish while eating cookies and sipping hot cocoa. This event has been sponsored by the Vicksburg Community Association (VCA) for over 25 years. Betsy Breitenbach and her cadre of teachers from Sunset School are organizing the morning events.
Hoyle said the DDA is hoping to expand the activities into the afternoon for families who come to the village. A Victorian theme will be emphasized as part of “Christmas in The Village.” The experience for visitors will include kids’ craft opportunities available in participating stores that have extended their hours to 5 p.m. Holiday gift bags with coupons and small items donated by the businesses will be given out to visitors during the parade and at the Community Center to encourage families to stop and shop.
Other entertainment ideas are in the works, Hoyle said. They might include extension of the Vicksburg Farmers’ Market, horse carriage/wagon rides, ice sculpture, carolers in historic attire, and children’s shows.
A tree lighting ceremony in Oswalt Park will take place at 5 p.m. Following that, a Holiday Pub Crawl is planned with special drinks concocted by Main Street Pub, the Hide-A-Way, and the Vault, closing out the day with some holiday cheer.