Christmas in the Forks returns Dec. 6, 7

AU SABLE FORKS | For 21 years, the community built around this hamlet nestled in the towns of Jay and Black Brook has gathered together for good cheer, and this year, Christmas in the Forks is taking place Dec. 6 and 7. "It's amazing what Helen Wirt Kennedy started 21 years ago to see where we are today, incredible really. What started as a small tree lighting ceremony with about 10 to 20 residents has now grown into this incredible holiday festival, bringing in thousands of spectators annually," said Randy Douglas, Christmas in the Forks committee member who is returning as emcee of the parade, tree lighting, and fireworks show, along with fellow committee member Susan Richards. "It's truly a community working together, and we are so very grateful for the assistance from everyone involved." This two-day celebration will begin at 10 a.m. with a kick-off event at the Au Sable Forks Free Library, where children of all ages will be able to enjoy arts and crafts, face painting, holiday music, hot chocolate, a cookie station, a book reading, and entertainment by Merriloons the Clown and Julie Jingles. A vendor fair at the Town of Jay Community Center will also start at 10 a.m. Guests are encouraged to stop in to check out not only all the different kinds of goodies one can buy, but swing by the Cindi Murphy Memorial Toy Drive & Bake Sale, which will relocate after the fair ends at 2 p.m., to in front of Lance's Pizza & Brew until 5 p.m. That afternoon, from noon to 2 p.m., staff and volunteers through the Au Sable Forks Volunteer Ambulance Service will be hosting free cookie decorating at its garage. From 3 to 6 p.m., 20 Main Tavern will be hopping with non-stop holiday music by Mary Byrd, gearing people up for the holiday light-up parade at 6 p.m. Led by Clinton County Sheriff David Favro, the parade will start at the softball field on Church Lane and then proceed onto Main Street until reaching the town clock park. Featuring Grand Marshals Louis and Charlene Garso, who have dedicated their lives and services to several volunteer organizations throughout the community, and Alyssa Rosio from Absolute Entertainment, who will sing the National Anthem, the parade line-up will also feature Ward Lumber, Samantha Yell from Vesta Hoops, Adirondack Lawn Chair Ladies, and a few new entries, including NewVida Preserve. All entries will be judged by Town of Jay Supervisor Matt Stanley, Town of Black Brook Supervisor Jon Douglass, Essex County Attorney Dan Manning, Saranac Central School District Superintendent Javier Perez, and Town of Black Brook Town Clerk Dennis Bushey. The stars of the show — Santa and Mrs. Claus — will be at the tail end of the parade and stop at the clock tower to assist in lighting the tree. Following that, there will be a spectacular fireworks display presented by Peter Henry from Santore's World Famous Fireworks and Night Sky Productions. The night will end with a meet and greet of Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Town of Jay Community Center for the kids and, for the adults, there will be an ugly sweater contest at 20 Main Tavern. The festivities will continue the following day, Dec. 7, with a holiday paint n' sip with Jessie Furnia at the Tahawus Lodge, with a $25 entry fee. There will also be a make-your-own kissing ball activity from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Garden Inn Jay, which will also host a make-your-own wreath event the day prior at the same time. Besides the festivities over the two-day celebration, there will be a few ongoing holiday events, as well, including a holiday sale at the Wells Memorial Library in Upper Jay from Nov. 29 to Dec. 23, the Gary Whisher Memorial Decorating Contest for all residents and businesses within the Town of Black Brook, and the 2nd annual Festival of Wreaths at the Au Sable Forks Free Library, which is running now through Dec. 6. "Our community is in for a wonderful [few days] of holiday spirit," Douglas shared. "To see the smiles on everyone's faces in the crowd during all the [...] festivities is worth every hour our dedicated committee members put into hosting such a magical event." Those interested in participating in the decorating contest must sign up through Adam Coolidge (518-534-0061 or coolidge.adam@gmail.com) before Dec. 5. Winners will be announced on Dec. 15.

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Christmas in the Forks returns Dec. 6, 7

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