WAYNETOWN — The annual Waynetown Christmas in the Park lighting ceremony will be 7 p.m. Saturday at the Rev. Guy Tremaine Park. This year’s event will be scaled down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Organizers are asking all attendees to park in the aquatic center parking lot and surrounding area and remain in their vehicles. Although live entertainment and refreshments will not be provided this year, fireworks will still announce the arrival of Santa Clause who will greet attendees with a wave and cheerful Ho-Ho-Ho.
A countdown will be led by Kevin Howey and a local youth will pull the switch that will light up more than 60 displays inside the park. The displays were provided by area businesses, churches, families and other organizations. The number of displays has doubled since the event’s inception four years ago.
Once the displays are lit, the barricade on the park road will be taken down and attendees can drive around the circle to enjoy the festive displays.
The park and displays will remain open for visitors until after Christmas.
New this year will be a Santa House. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available from 1-4 p.m. Dec. 13 to safely greet children. To visit the North Pole couple call 765-401-1057 to make a reservation. There will be opportunity for photos using the attendees’ own devices. All attendees must wear a mask and observe social distancing.
A new large display can be seen on the baseball diamond with the Santa Team playing the Snowman Team.
Follow Waynetown Christmas in the Park on Facebook to see posts of additional times Santa will be in the park greeting vehicles and passing out candy canes.
The event is sponsored by the area’s full-time Christmas music radio station 92.1 FM/1550 AM, Campbell Ag Service, Town of Waynetown, Waynetown Merchants Association, Fountain Trust and Busse Excavating.
