Thousands may have come, but young Gillian Mead knows the only real reason for visiting The Resource Center and TRC Foundation's Oh Christmas Tree parade and holiday celebration held Friday on Third Street.
"Santa's here," she said. If that wasn't enough, she pointed out, there was even cotton candy... in the winter.
"Christmas is awesome," she said.
Mead was not the only one to enjoy celebrating Christmas at the Downtown Jamestown Development Corp.'s annual parade, which, Projects Coordinator Tiffany Conti said is in its 10th year and is continuing to grow annually.
"It starts the Christmas season," said Sue Fiedler, who said she has come for all of those 10 years.
"It's nice to see the community get together," she said.
Besides, said Tim Rudd, "the weather's nice for once."
Southwestern and Randolph state championship football teams were grand marshalls of the parade, and the celebration featured performances by Shawn Wilder and 10,000 Maniacs. The man who really stole the show, however, was dear old Saint Nick, who drew the spectacle of youth of all ages.
"It's a memorable event for kids and families alike," said Ms. Conti. "Everybody looks forward to it," she said about the parade, which, she said, draws businesses and groups from as far away as Erie, Pa. and Buffalo, not to mention area residents' participation.
"Everybody likes a good party," she said. "The community is what really makes it what it is," said Ms. Conti, who said thousands come downtown to support the event.
"It's a great way to close the year," she said, adding the parade has become "a signature event" for downtown Jamestown.
"It keeps the community here; it makes an exciting downtown," she said.
It was exciting for Annika Spitzer.
"I like to see them throw out candy, " the youth said.
Other holiday festivities planned for December include: the inaugural Downtown Craft Show and Holiday Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today in the DJDC offices, 19 W. Third St. Admission is free along with giveaways and popcorn. All proceeds will benefit the Oh Christmas Tree Parade and Holiday Celebration; Fenton Family Day, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the Fenton History Center. There will be crafts, games for children and treats while the Governor's Mansion is "dressed" in its holiday best. Admission is free to members, $5 for prospective members and $2 for children. The Fenton will also have its 30th annual Holiday Exhibit, titled "A Tradition of Trees," on display.
First Covenant Church will host the annual Living Christmas Tree this weekend. Call 483-9825 for tickets, show times and more information
The Lucille Ball Little Theater will showcase their performance of ''Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus'' on Dec. 4-6 and Dec. 10-12. For more information, tickets and show times, call 483-1095.
Friday, Dec. 11, will feature two concerts in downtown Jamestown, including Denver and the Mile High Orchestra at the Reg Lenna Civic Center and the Kenny Rogers Christmas and Hits tour at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena. Contact the Reg Lenna Box Office at 484-7070 for orchestra tickets or the arena box office at 484-2624 for Kenny Rogers' tickets.
Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet's annual performance of "The Nutcracker" will be held Dec. 12-13 at the Reg Lenna Civic Center. Contact the Reg Lenna Box Office at 484-7070 for tickets.
Allied Healthcare will host a Holiday Open House from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15 the JAMA Riverwalk Center in Brooklyn Square.
The Resource Center is collecting new, unwrapped toys for their annual Toys for Tots toy drive. Toys for Tots barrels are located throughout Jamestown and the surrounding community. Toys may also be dropped off at the Toys for Tots headquarters located at 210 Cherry St., Jamestown. Registration will take place at the Toys for Tots headquarters from noon to 4 p.m. today. Individuals must bring proof of identification for each child and proof of income to register. Volunteers are also needed to help sort toys on Saturday, Dec. 19, from 10 a.m. to until the job is finished at the Toys for Tots headquarters. Contact The Resource Center for more information.
"A Magical Christmas" theater performance will be held at the Jamestown Community College Scharmann Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 19, at 2 and 7 p.m. The production is a brought to Jamestown by the Drama Enrichment Program, which is supported in part by grants from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. Contact the JCC Box Office for tickets at 338-1187. Adult tickets are $15, senior citizens and students are $10, children under 12 are $5 and a family ticket is $40. Discount pre-sale tickets are also available.
The Reg Lenna Civic Center will kick-off its monthly Movies at the Reg on Dec. 20 with a viewing of "The Polar Express." Tickets are available at the door or by calling the box office at 484-7070.
