By SAMANTHA MCDONNELL
OBSERVER Staff Writer
It may not have been a Miracle on 34th Street, but it was a Miracle on Main Street. The annual FestivalsFredonia event was held throughout downtown Fredonia Saturday.
Article Photos
OBSERVER Photo by Samantha McDonnell
Frosty greets children during the Miracle on Main Street in Fredonia.
The highlight of the day-long festivities was the lighting of a Christmas tree which sits in the gazebo in Barker Common. The tree was lit by Santa with help from Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the reindeer. Christmas music was provided by the Fredonia High School Madrigals Choir.
"The weather today was great. It was a phenomenal turnout for the community and a great family friend event," Miracle on Main Street Co-chair Mary Jane Starks said.
Prior to lighting the tree, Santa was at the Darwin R. Barker Library reading a holiday story to children. Along with Rudolph and Frosty, Santa stopped and posed with children for pictures. Something new this year for the event was a donation back to the community. The WCA Home and Fredonia-Pomfret Grape Belt Seniors were presented with checks of $250.
"We decided this year to give back to the community," Starks said. "What better time of year to give back. Both (organizations) serve the community."
During the tree lighting ceremony, hot chocolate and Timbits were provided by Gina Kron of Tim Horton's. Families and children could also participate in Santa's workshop held at the Fredonia Grange, a gingerbread decorating workshop, a holiday craft show and open houses at various downtown businesses. One of the businesses participating in the open house was the Telecommunications Society of Fredonia's Museum. At the museum, children could send a telegram to Santa. Children could fill out a telegram to send to Santa through Mrs. Elfie (Doreen Gould). Each child who sent a telegram to Santa will receive a response back.
"It takes a couple of days since we don't have telegrams anymore," Gould said.
Gould has been helping with sending telegrams to Santa for three years. Almost 50 children sent telegrams to Santa Saturday.
"My morse code has gotten better," Gould said.
The FestivalsFredonia committee is comprised of volunteers who help plan the event. The events are held with the help of volunteers as well.
"Without the volunteers, we couldn't run this event," Starks said. "We're very appreciative and grateful for their support."
For more Christmas fun, Shorewood will hold Christmas on the Lake from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today. Admission is free. Shorewood is located at 4958 W. Lake Road, Dunkirk.
Comments on this article may be sent to smcdonnell@observertoday.com
