Santa will make an appearance at 6:30 p.m. Saturday to kick off the Waynetown Christmas in the Park Lighting Celebration.
Seventy Christmas scenes provided by families, businesses, churches, the town of Waynetown and other organizations are included in the annual event at the Rev. Guy Tremaine Park. Special music will be provided by North Montgomery Middle School Singers and soloist Joyce Melvin.
“Twas the Night Before Christmas” will be read on the Freedom Festival stage by emcee Kevin Howey. Children are invited to sit around him and listen to the traditional tale.
At approximately 7 p.m. the countdown will begin for a Sommer Elementary student to pull the switch to light up the Christmas displays.
Boy Scout Troop 365 will serve hot cocoa, coffee and cookies under the Rusk Shelter. Free-will donations will be accepted.
Displays will continue to be lit each evening through December. Last year nearly 3,000 cars toured the exhibit. There is no admission fee, but a donation box is located in the park.
Visitors will notice one change this year. The popular, lighted arch will be in a new location. The move was necessary to accommodate larger vehicles. Many local nursing homes bring their residents to the park to view the displays, however, the large vans used to transport these groups do not fit under the arch. This year the larger vehicles can tour the main section of the park without going through the arch. Those wanting to drive through the arch can still do so, and it will be available just east of the aquatic center.
Children can visit with Santa 1-3 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Aquatic Center Community Room. There will be refreshments and treats available for attendees. It is a good opportunity to take photos with children, families and friends with Santa.
Santa and other holiday characters will greet visitors at the park throughout the month of December. Times and dates will be announced on the Waynetown Aquatic Center and Tremaine Park Facebook page.
The event is sponsored by 91.2 FM WCVL, Waynetown Merchants Association, Fountain Trust, Bob Campbell Ag and the town of Waynetown.
