One of the new experiences at the event, which was held on Dec. 6 to 7, was the presence of magician Jorge Cruz of Erie, who wandered throughout the village on both days, performing his magic for children and adults, alike.

Magic De Jorge has been performing for more than 20 years. Not only did he entertain the visitors, but he also provided small Christmas gifts for the children. “Look what I got,” said one 6-year-old boy who received a Rudolph Carry Along Activity Pad with crayons and stickers. A young girl was delighted with her Jingle Bell wrist band, which she proudly jingled as she roamed throughout the village.

There were also many of the Christmas through the Village traditions, such as horse-drawn wagon rides, provided by Laff ‘n’Lyon, Santa & Mrs. Claus walking through the village while talking to children and handing out candy canes, a free hot cocoa bar at the Sharp Boutique and visits from the Grinch.

Of course, the big draw was the Christmas specials that visitors found in the stores. Both the gift store and outlet store of Our Own Candle Co. reported brisk sales. Also, visitors really seemed to be in the Christmas spirit, said one clerk at the site.

Many Findley Lake businesses reported brisk sales during the Christmas Through the Village event in Findley Lake.

Toast Wine & Spirits and the adjacent Spruce home goods store were consistently busy, as was The Secret Cubby of Antiques. “It’s been very steady throughout the day,” said owner Nancy Sonney, who also organizes the annual event.

However, Sonney said there seemed to be less people at Christmas through the Village this year. “It’s difficult to say why,” she said. “My best guess is that there are so many other places having events this weekend.”

There has been increased competition at this time of year, although Findley Lake has held their event in the first week of December, since it was initiated many years ago. Other events included Sugar Plum Saturday in North East, Pa., a Christmas Arts and Craft Fundraiser in Clymer, Fredonia’s Miracle on Main Street and Christmas on Central Holiday Extravaganza in Dunkirk.

Nevertheless, the Christmas spirit was evident at the Findley Lake event. “People seem really happy,” Sonney said. “They really seem to be in a Christmas frame of mind.”

Even in the streets, the enthusiasm was evident. Wagon riders regularly sang Christmas carols as they traveled throughout the village and, despite the grayness of the day, people met in the streets to reconnect with friends and to offer Christmas greetings.