Greenfield set for Christmas

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While winter is yet to come, and snow yet to fall, the holiday festivities are not too far off, and one day in particular is filled to the brim with different activities in Greenfield.

The Greenfield Eagles is sponsoring the 34th annual Greenfield Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 5, and the lights will be twinkling as the parade will again be held in the dark of evening.

This year’s theme is Rockin’ Little Christmas.

Mike Stafford with the Eagles is leading the planning once again. He said that every year he says he’s not going to head up the parade the following year, but then when no one else steps into the role, he does because he refuses to let the kids be without the enjoyment of a parade and a visit with Santa.

He said he didn’t get to do things like that as a kid, and that’s why he keeps doing it every year, “because of the kids.”

Each year, the parade and activities surrounding it are made possible by the support of the community, he said.

Line-up on Dec. 5 will start at 3:30 p.m. in the Greenfield Research parking lot between Edgewood Avenue and Eighth Street.

While those wanting to participate can register the day of the parade, the line-up is beginning so early to make sure there is time to get everyone registered and names downtown so that entrants can be announced during the parade, Stafford said.

There is no fee to participate.

The parade will begin at 6 p.m. and will follow the traditional route along Jefferson Street, then hanging a right onto Washington Street for the float judging.

And after all that, Santa will be around to visit with the children, Stafford said.

Santa actually has a pretty busy day planned on Dec. 5, because that morning he is also planning to make an appearance at the annual Breakfast with Santa at the Eagles Lodge from 9 a.m. to noon.

Stafford said the event is open to the public and breakfast will cost $5 per person. Pictures with Santa will be $2 per person.

Another group is adding to the day’s activities by offering some art-making opportunities from noon to 4 p.m.

Spark Creative Artspace is hosting an Open Studio event and inviting everyone to come in and see what artists are working on, and also inviting those visiting to maybe even join in on the art making.

Also on that day, there is also a free Children’s Christmas Decorations Craft Workshop at Spark. The youngsters will be get materials and instruction on making a variety of holiday decorations to both take home and to help decorate Spark’s Christmas tree.

“Come for a minute or come for the afternoon, we’ll have the coffee pot on and a variety of sweet treats available,” organizers said on the Spark Facebook page.

And if there wasn’t plenty going on already on Dec. 5, the Eagles club is also hosting band Southern Express at the lodge from 8 p.m. to midnight. The event is open to the public and is $5 per person.

The Greenfield Eagles Lodge is located at 1275 N. Washington St. For more information on the Greenfield Eagles events, contact Stafford at 937-374-9620. Spark is located at 251 Jefferson St. For more information on the Spark events go to SPARK Creative Artspace’s Facebook page, or visit sparkcreativeartspace.org.

Reach Angela Shepherd at 937-393-3456, ext. 1681, or on Twitter @wordyshepherd.

Santa and Mrs. Claus ride high atop a Paint Creek ladder truck in last year’s Greenfield parade.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2015/11/web1_Greenfield-parade-The-Clauses-2014.jpgSanta and Mrs. Claus ride high atop a Paint Creek ladder truck in last year’s Greenfield parade.
Dec. 5 chock-full of activities for young and old

By Angela Shepherd

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