Let’s Get Jolly
Grove City offers lots of cheer for those looking to get into the Christmas spirit this weekend.
So now what? The excitement of black Friday and Cyber Monday are over (and hopefully most of your shopping) and there’s still 20 days left until Christmas. Now is the time to really enjoy what the holiday season is all about… and there’s plenty to do right here in your own backyard.
This weekend the Grove City Town Center will be full of holiday cheer and fun for all ages. Mistletoe Market kicks off at 10am on Saturday morning and will conclude at 9pm. The market, to be located on Park Street west of Broadway, is intended to build on the old-world charm of the traditional German Kristkindl Market. However, this market will be inside a heated tent where you can browse arts and crafts for that impossible-to-buy-for person who is still on your list. Throughout the day, music will fill the streets and Santa will be coming to town between 2-7pm.
Now if you’re not one for outdoor markets or inclement winter weather (because it’s coming) you can seek refuge in one of the retailers of the town center and still be apart of the festivities. Plank’s on Broadway will have a magician in the house from 10-5. Both Grandstand Pizza and Tossed & Grilled will have face painting fun for the little ones.
Later in the day, you can watch an ice sculptor go to work from 6-8pm and Santa’s reindeer will be at the Civic Place at Broadway.
My favorite attraction (beginning at 7:30pm) is the Grove City Christmas Parade. It’s definitely not as big as the Arts in the Alley parade, but every year it gets bigger and better. The parade features marching bands, floats decorated with festive lights, and more. Be sure to watch the kids’ faces when Suburban Propane lights up the night with their bursts of fire (video below). The parade route starts at Park Street Intermediate School, proceeds north on Wilbur Ave, west down Columbus St, south on Broadway through the Town Center then east on Park St and back to the school.
After the parade, the community tree lighting ceremony occurs in the Town Center Plaza (approximately at 8:15pm).
The holiday festivities continue from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, with Grove City Christmas Home Tour 2013. This year’s tour features five homes and tickets are available for $10, with proceeds going to the Grove City Food Pantry. Tickets with full tour details can be purchased at Sommer House Gallery or The Grove City Welcome Center and Museum.
So put your Bah Humbugs away this weekend and come out for some fun. Its even sounds like Jack Frost is going to give us a true White Christmas setting.
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