Girard’s Christmas in the Park premieres with snow, cold, fun
GIRARD — Saturday was the first day of winter and Mother Nature did not disappoint as several inches of snow fell on David Tod Memorial Park before, during and after the debut of Christmas in the Park.
The inclement weather and cold temperature did not dampen the enthusiasm of the volunteers, vendors and attendees. Many said it put them in the Christmas spirit, especially the children.
The Foos children — 7-year-old Conor, 5-year-old Collin and 2-year-old Camryn — made snowballs near the pavilion. Their mom, Kelly McKee-Foos, was setting up the Girard Parent Teacher Organization booth and the craft that she does with her own children every year.
“We make reindeer food. After my extended family leaves my house on Christmas Eve, my children and I read a book and then make reindeer food and place it in the front yard,” McKee-Foos said.
The reindeer food is made from oatmeal flakes, and red and green colored sprinkles or sugar that will glow on the lawn to guide the reindeer to the child’s home. She handed out a paper explaining the tradition, which said “Sprinkle on the lawn Christmas Eve night. The moonlight will make it sparkle bright. As Santa’s reindeer fly and roam, this will guide them to your home.”
Girard Mayor Mark Zuppo, who is finishing his first year,, came up with the community event and knew of the perfect locale to hold it within the city.
“With the gazebo and the two pavilions, we thought Tod Park was the perfect setting,” he said.
Girard PTO, Helping Hands volunteer group and Recreation Director Mike Cardiero were on the planning committee with the mayor. The bocce pavilion was used for a DJ who played “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” when St. Nick arrived on a fire truck escorted by two Girard police cruisers.
Santa Claus and his elf helper, Girard resident Amanda Teutsch, waited for children to give them their wish list at the gazebo while vendors sold handmade fragrances, candles, knitwear and other crafts. Food trucks offered sandwiches and coffee to warm up everyone who walked through the park.
Helping Hands, which is made up of local female volunteers, worked at the concession stand where children were given free pizza from Margherita’s Grille, popcorn and cotton candy. The mayor’s office donated the food.
“The group was formed last January to help the city in whatever way they need to assist with community events and help charitable groups in Girard,” said Cathy McCracken, a member of Helping Hands.
Many activities were available for children. Girard Free Library read stories to the children, and first responders from CSX, the Girard Police Department and Girard Fire Department handed out a free toy to each child who stopped by to visit.
The event was a successful celebration of the first day of winter, according to organizers.
“This first year is a learning experience,” Zuppo said. “We hope to grow it into an event that everyone in Girard looks forward to every year.”