The most anticipated holiday festival is coming very soon. Kicking off the Holiday Season in the Village of Fredonia is Festivals Fredonia's Miracle on Main Street.
Michelle Twichell, one of the originators of this festival more than 10 years ago, said, "We, the committee, count down the days beginning in September. This is our way of giving back to the Village of Fredonia's residents."
The festival will be held this Saturday and Sunday. This year organizers have included new events for a fun-filled weekend for the entire family.
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Santa Claus will be spending time in Fredonia this weekend for Festivals Fredonia’s Miracle on Main Street event.
More businesses and shopping venues are participating this year. Mary Jane Starks said the Festivals Fredonia Committee wants to be involved with the businesses to help promote the Village as a shopping venue.
At 9:30 a.m., begin your day at the WCA Home, 134 Temple St, for the Christmas Ornament Sale where you will find interesting gently used ornaments for your holiday trees.
All shopping venues are located right downtown the Village. The hours will be from 10 a.m. to 4 pm, with most being open later. Also new this year is the Holiday Craft Show, located at 25 Church St. in the First Methodist Church. You will be able to browse among unique and one-of-a-kind crafters. The committee will have a silent auction with many gift baskets donated from downtown businesses.
With five home-based businesses, continue your shopping with the Fredonia's Gift Gals. Located at 7 E. Main St. on the second floor, you will be able to browse among Mary Kay, Thirty-One Gifts, Tastefully Simple, Party-Lite Candles and Lia Sophia Jewelry. You will be able to enjoy refreshments while shopping and there will be a free drawing, no purchase is necessary.
According to Christine Burdick, "One of the missions of Festivals Fredonia is to stimulate outside interest and tourism, thereby contributing to a healthy business environment. This year, we are pleased to present "Shopping the Village Businesses."
The participating businesses are Herbs for Life; 69 W. Main St., Eye Candies; 42 W. Main St., Lake of the Lakes; 29 W. Main St., and Salon Belle Vie and Facial Expression at 33 Church St. will be having a grand re-opening. Enjoy lunch at Buster Brown Bean at 33 Church St., then continue to Fresh & Fancy Flowers; 9 Eagle St. and TimePieces; 23 White St. You will be able to buy gifts for everyone on your list.
The committee has a full day of activities for families with children. Begin your day by visiting The Telecommunications Society of Fredonia's Museum at 36 Center St.. From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., children will be able to send a "telegram" to Santa Claus. While you are at the Museum with your children, enjoy browsing through the five rooms showing the evolution of Telecommunications over the past years. Light refreshments will be served at the Museum.
From 11 am to noon, D.R. Barker Library's staff invites children and family for Holiday Story Telling. This event is located in the library's Children's Room at 7 Day St. Relax while listening to Santa Claus reading "The Mouse Before Christmas." There may be a surprise visit at the Library during this time, so be alert and prepared. While strolling to the Grange for Santa's Workshop, stop by the Gazebo for the Annual Tree Lighting.
The Annual Tree Lighting at the Gazebo in Barker Common is a tradition. The event will begin at 11:45 a.m. with caroling from FHS Madrigals Choir. At noon, with the help of Rudolph and Frosty, Mayor Claus will do the Village the honor of lighting the Village Holiday Tree. The committee for Festivals Fredonia has created a "Giving Back to Fredonia" donation. Each year a monetary contribution will be made to special organizations serving our Village community. For 2012, Festivals Fredonia Board members will be presenting donations to the WCA Home and the Fredonia-Pomfret Grape Belt Senior Organization. Enjoy refreshments provided by Gina Korn of Tim Horton's during this event.
The ever-popular "The Gingerbread Workshop" is presented by Peggy Rose of The Cakery. This year the workshop will be held at the First Methodist Church in the basement, the same place as the Holiday Craft Show. The workshop is from noon to 3 p.m. It is open to everyone of all ages. The fee for a small house is $10, a medium house is $15 and large house is $20.
The highlight of Miracle on Main Street is Festivals Fredonia's Santa's Workshop located at The Grange on 58 W. Main St. Santa's Workshop will begin at noon and end at 3 p.m., be prepared for the children to have fun. There will be many different crafts for children. Kay Barlow will be performing holiday music for children. and the highlight of this event is a visit with Santa Claus. The Kiwanis Club of Northern Chautauqua is providing free photographs of your children with Santa Claus. Come and enjoy your afternoon at "Santa's Workshop."
Continuing on Sunday is the Christmas on the Lake Craft Show at Shorewood Country Club, Route 5 in Dunkirk. This craft show is between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. There will be over 20 unique and one-of-a-kind artisans and crafters. After or before browsing, enjoy taking lunch overlooking Lake Erie with a very special menu for the Christmas on the Lake Craft Show.
Festivals Fredonia is in partnership with the Village of Fredonia, the Town of Pomfret, area merchants, volunteers, sponsors and organizations. For more information call 672-4818 or visit www.festivalsfredonia.com.
