(PHOTOS BY BREANA RELIFORD / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
1ST PLACE … The Gingerbread House received 1st place from the parade judges.
2ND PLACE … The Christmas Camper received 2nd place from the parade judges.
3RD PLACE … The Inflatable Display received 3rd place from the parade judges.
ON THE NICE LIST … Children could be found writing letters to Santa at the Montpelier Public Library this afternoon.
By: Breana Reliford
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Village of Montpelier celebrated their annual Christmas celebration this Saturday, November 23, 2024.
To kick off the holiday season, Montpelier residents and other Williams County locals could be found writing letters to Santa, ice skating, enjoying the lighted parade, and more.
The event lasted all day with various activities taking place. In the morning, the Montpelier Public Library held crafts and cake for children, as well as writing letters to Santa.
Many young children pondered what they wished for Santa to bring them this year while enjoying a festive snack.
Montpelier Local Schools also held a Craft Show and Book Fair for all ages to enjoy. Over 135 booths were set up selling crafts, home decor, Christmas items, and more.
The hallways of the school were lined full of vendors from wall to wall, as well as the gymnasium and cafeteria. Many local small businesses attended the event.
In the afternoon and evening, the fire station served chili, Trackside Modelers held an open house, and the Empire Street Fair took place. Food trucks, vendors, face painting, ice skating, games, and the Grinch and Santa were all amongst the crowd.
Some felt nostalgia from the long-awaited return of the ice rink from many years ago. The addition of the ice rink was new to this year’s festival, and it was a hit.
Throughout the day, community members made their way through the different events taking place all over town.
As the sun began to set, the thousands of lights glowing in shapes of snowmen, snowflakes, and more was a beautiful sight to see.
The streets were lined up from corner to corner with citizens wishing to see the Christmas displays in this year’s lighted parade. The parade started at 6:00 sharp, venturing from the fairgrounds and traveled uptown.
After the parade, many children rushed to find Santa in his workshop. The Grinch was also found lurking around.
From 10am-7pm, the Village of Montpelier was bustling with joy, smiles, and Christmas cheer. The event had a large turnout as the tradition of holiday spirit carried on another year.