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Christmas In July Events To Spread Cheer In Falconer

Pictured outside the Santa House in Falconer, from left, are Brentley Fuller-Markham, Jane Fuller, Brenda Cavallaro, Renee Tompsett and Chris Oste. A committee is organizing a series of Christmas in July events in the village, culminating with a parade Saturday, July 24. P-J photos by Eric Tichy

FALCONER — He may be on vacation, but Santa Claus is set to make a sunny appearance this month in Falconer.

A committee has been established to help bring Christmas in July to the village. The plan calls for a variety of events from Thursday, July 22, to Saturday, July 24, culminating with a parade complete with Santa — a tradition typically held in November of each year to kick off the holiday season. That parade was canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The idea to host Christmas in July — believed to be the first for Falconer — came from Peter and Jane Fuller after the pair originally planned to host a party at their home, complete with Christmas lights, decorations and Christmas cookies.

Peter Fuller, the former village Department of Public Works superintendent, thought expanding a celebration villagewide would be a great way for the community to reconnect after so many months indoors due to COVID.

“It’s been such a difficult time trying to get through the pandemic,” said Chris Oste, a member of the committee that is organizing the events. “(Peter) wanted some of the fun of Christmas to be felt, and what a better way than to bring it to the community. When he and his wife approached some of the village residents they jumped on board.”

On Thursday, July 22, there will be a book sale at the Falconer Public Library from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and a band concert at Davis Park from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

On Friday, July 23, the book sale continues from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; a farmers market at Davis Park from noon-6 p.m.; a chicken barbecue at Davis Park; and community caroling.

On Saturday, July 24, the book sale continues from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; a craft show and kids fair at the Falconer Fire Department from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; a Kiwanis hot dog sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and the Santa parade beginning at noon with a meet-and-greet at the Santa House near Tops Markets on South Work Street.

Falconer Mayor James Jaroszynski hopes to see the public come out an enjoy the festivities. “It’s nice that our community can come together and be able to do this,” said Jaroszynski, praising the committee for organizing the events.

To keep up with the spirit of the mid-year celebration, Santa will be wearing a Hawaiian shirt and will have brightly colored candy canes to hand out to children.

“We’ve had such a tough year with everyone being isolated,” Oste said. “Now, we finally have a chance to get together again. I think it’s a great thing to look forward to, and why not do it communitywide? Our little Falconer is struggling hard to get back on our feet and anything we can do to raise our hopes is such a good thing. We just want something that we can give to the community.”

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