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Warren Scott HOLIDAY SHOPPING – Many area residents started shopping for Christmas decorations and gifts a bit earlier as they browsed the many vendors attending Follansbee Christmas in the Park on Saturday and Sunday.
FOLLANSBEE – Although recent temperatures have been unusually warm for the season, visitors to Follansbee Christmas in the Park have been reminded that the holiday season is not that far away.
Guests at the annual festival heard Christmas music from different eras as they made their way among the many food, craft and other vendors found at Follansbee Park.
For a few hours each afternoon, Santa Claus visited the children in the park gazebo.
And attendees were invited inside the Follansbee Community House to see several nutcrackers on loan from the Nutcracker Village of Steubenville in cooperation with the Nelson family, who are behind the hundreds on display near the Fort. historic Steuben every Christmas; and Steubenville Mayor Jerry Barilla.
In the center, between two sets of nutcrackers, was a Christmas tree decorated with ornaments made by students from Brooke Primary North and Brooke Intermediate North.
Children from both schools also produced the decorations hung on the fence along the cobbled path through the grounds of the park, where many vendors were found. They included colorful paper ornaments that were laminated to protect them from the rain.
And the rain fell on the park on Saturday, but many vendors found the turnout between the two days to be very good.
Candy Cooper of Candy’s Gourmet Fudge said she brought more of her assorted fudge varieties than in 2019 and was still sold out on Sunday afternoon.
With all of his stock sold, Cooper was eager to browse the booths of other vendors.
“I love this event. I really do, “ said Cooper, a native of Mingo Junction and a resident of New Somerset, Pa., who added that when she participates, “I immediately put myself in the Christmas mood.”
Diana Perine was among several members of the Follansbee Church of the Nazarene selling baked goods and other items at one of the shelters in the park.
She and Associate Pastor Jim Barnhart said the event helps them raise awareness of their church, which has recently undergone interior renovations.
Another regular group at the festival are the retired teachers from the Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority, who bring in a large number of books for all ages that are free to anyone who stops by their tent.
Sandy Baldauf, a member of the group, said many were surprised that there was no cost for the books, which members buy at flea markets and other outlets and receive as donations as part of ‘an ongoing effort to promote reading for all.
Since its inception in 2002, the festival has raised funds for local charities and children with special needs through gift basket draws, a cash prize, and a Steelers ticket pack provided by an anonymous donor.
Kathy Santoro, who kicked off the event with Co-Chair Bill Secrist and the help of many volunteers, said the best part of the event is the Christmas feeling it helps bring about.
“It’s nice to have the spirit of it. It’s just perfect, “ she said.
Santoro said Christmas in the park has been played out in all kinds of weather conditions over the years, but this may have been the first year in which a number of attendees wore shorts.
Another Christmas fan in the park is Follansbee’s Wanda Wagoner, who said “I love it. It’s a fun time and a great time to get your family together, see all the kids and enjoy the delicious food.
(Scott can be contacted at [email protected].)
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