CAROLING … Montpelier High School Carole’s we’re stationed under the Main Street Station sign next to the towns Christmas tree. (PHOTOS BY LINDSAY PHILLIPS, STAFF)
By: Lindsay Phillips
For the past thirteen years, Montpelier has celebrated their big Christmas event, Olde Tyme Holiday, with activities to be had all over the town.
On November 19, 2022, many people bundled up and gathered to downtown Montpelier to celebrate the village’s holiday event in spite of the cold and bitter weather.
The day began with a huge craft and vendor fair at Montpelier Schools that began at 10:00 a.m.
Over 125 vendors filled the schools hallways, gyms and cafeteria. Something for everyone could be found at the fair from home décor, jewelry and clothes all the way to tools.
Stores such as Kommon Cravings, Cookies on Demand, Drop Tine Winery and Tap House, HOPE Community Center, Kinship Chiropractic and The Hair Station along with others held special open houses with festive activities.
Kinship Chiropractic had a Christmas photo booth, warm cider and games from 4:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
Cookies on Demand served lunch until 3:00 offering mimosas and holiday sangria. Montpelier Trackside Modelers Railroad Club was open from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. inviting those in attendance to stop by and see their progress.
The Montpelier Public Library participated in the days activities offering a free craft for kids aged two through twelve from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Young ones were able to make a Christmas cracker to take home, and make ornaments for the library’s Christmas tree. Also at the library was an opportunity to write letters to Santa.
Due to the wind, the original large alpine slide that was going to be set up at Founders Park was cancelled.
Though a change in plans, a great replacement of a LED Mini Golf game was set up Empire Street.
The Montpelier Fire Station offered a chili supper of chili, crackers, cornbread and drinks for free with the option of an free will donation.
Tables were set up inside the station, but attendees were welcome to take their supper to go.
Farmers and Merchants State Bank handed out reindeer food for young ones to sprinkle in their yard for Santa’s reindeer when he delivers presents to their homes on Christmas.
Also on Empire Street was a tent with hot dogs, bratwurst and hot chocolate that was available at free will donation.
MRS. CLAUS … In the beginning parts of Montpelier’s Olde Tyme Holiday Parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus rode in on a decorated white carriage to be dropped off at the stage in front of Empire Street.
The Polar Express was shown at the House of Prayer three times and was presented by the Montpelier Civic League. Showings took place at 5:45, 6:45 and 7:15 p.m.
A festive stage with Santa’s workshop as the background, was surrounded by Christmas trees and lights.
As 6:00 p.m. rolled around, community members and guests gathered on the sidewalks downtown Montpelier for the big annual Christmas parade.
Shortly after six o’clock, local pageant queens led the parade walking west on Main Street carrying the Olde Tyme Holiday Gathering sign.
Following the queens were many floats, ATV’s, tractors, horses and wagons were seen lit up and decorated for the holiday.
Santa and Mrs. Claus came riding in on a white carriage pulled by large Clydesdale horses that stopped at the stage to drop them off.
As the parade came to an end, Santa and Mrs. Claus moved to Santa’s house which was behind the stage on Empire Street for visits.
Just before families went to see Santa, the Montpelier Christmas tree had its annual lighting.
Lindsay can be reached at lindsay@thevillagereporter.com