(ORLEANS) – Despite very cold temperatures, a sizeable crowd participated in the Orleans Chamber of Commerce’s 10th Annual “Christmas on the Square” held downtown on Saturday night.
A large number of children were on hand at the bandstand to greet Santa Claus who made his annual visit to the dogwood capital via the town’s antique 1926 fire truck complete with a police escort.
Children also enjoyed the “Funtime Express” train ride.
The traditional telling of the Christmas Story was shared by the members of both Orleans United Church and Jacob’s Finger Methodist Church. The scene was set up on the west side of the square with a Nativity, costumed characters, and live animals for families to be able to interact with.
“The Santa Hat Run/Walk” included a number of brave participants who donned their very best Santa Hat and made their way along the sidewalks through town.
Several families enjoyed an old-fashioned horse & carriage ride around the decorated historic town square. A number of area children stopped in at the Chamber’s Visitor Center to pick up and write their “Postcards for Santa.” Afterward, the youngsters could mail their Christmas wishes to the “Jolly Old Elf” in Santa’s Mailbox located in front of the Chamber office.
Chamber volunteers were on hand to distribute free handouts featuring the origins of various Christmas traditions, along with serving up cookies and hot mulled cider to help ward off some of the winter’s chill.
Live entertainment was provided by the Orleans Elementary School Choir, under the direction of Deb Edwards.
Orleans Tri Kappa served up lots of warm drinks, food items and other holiday goodies to visitors.
Chamber Executive Director Robert Henderson expressed his thanks to all those who came out Saturday night for this year’s festivities. “We are glad to still be able to host a small town holiday event that area families can still enjoy together and hopefully too create some Christmas memories.”
