Holiday traditions embraced at 34th 'Christmas in Warrensburgh' event

WARRENSBURG | The annual Christmas in Warrensburg event held on the weekend of Dec. 3 hosted a substantial crowd of residents and visitors despite intermittent rain during the day, event founder Teresa Whalen said at the conclusion of the weekend. "The forecasts of rain didn't discourage turnout for the event — there were people all over town this weekend," she said, noting the outdoor activities including pony rides, a petting zoo, and horse-drawn wagon rides went on without interruption. New this year were various activities at eateries in town including Sulla Terra Cafe, Stace's Place and Sun Canyon Kitchen where holiday meals were served. Santa Claus, portrayed as in years past by local resident Jason Weidman, heard Christmas wishes from as many as 300 children. He was situated in the Warrensburg Town Hall, which was transformed into "Toyland" where craft sessions and the construction of gingerbread houses were enjoyed by dozens of children on Dec. 3. At Nemec's Farm & Garden Center, pet photos with Santa were popular, as evidenced by the length of the line of people, accompanied by their dogs and cats, waiting for their turn for a holiday memento. The annual tree-lighting ceremony held Saturday evening embodied traditional holiday spirit, Whalen said, as area residents and visitors gathered at the town bandstand and sang Christmas carols to the accompaniment of the Warrensburg High School Band. At this event, representatives of TD Bank handed out green Santa hats to those attending. Over the weekend, the festival's Artisan Fair & Market at Riverstreet Plaza hosted more than 30 crafters in addition to representatives of a half-dozen area non-profit groups. Musicians of Courtly Music played baroque selections on acoustic instruments while people browsed among arrays of handmade creations. A substantial number of people listened to the chiming holiday sounds of the renowned "Heavenly Metal" English handbell choir performing Christmas music at St. Cecilia's Church. Whalen said she and others noted how people enjoyed the ambiance of the event, which for 34 years has reflected small-town holiday traditions. "As in years past, it was a heartwarming experience to see the wonder and warmth of Christmas in the eyes of our area children," she said.

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Holiday traditions embraced at 34th 'Christmas in Warrensburgh' event

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