Sunbury’s Christmas on the Square set for December 5

Thursday, November 26, 2009

By LENNY C. LEPOLA
News Assistant Managing Editor

Today is Thanksgiving; tomorrow is that masochistic shopping day - Black Friday.

But next weekend is the event everyone, young and old, has been waiting for. It’s an event where you can find Santa Claus and Saint Nicholas side by side living in harmony. There’s a traditional Christmas parade and a community Christmas tree lighting ceremony with food, music and shopping to welcome in the holiday season, all rolled into one late afternoon, early evening event.

And the best part of all is, you don’t have to drive to some distant crowded mall to experience an imitation community Christmas celebration; you can have the real thing right here at home in eastern Delaware County.

How? No problem. Just dress the family up warm and attend the Village of Sunbury’s 28th Annual Christmas on the Square Festival, scheduled for Saturday, December 5, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Sunbury’s Christmas on the Square Celebration is hosted by members of the Sunbury/Big Walnut Area Chamber of Commerce.

This year the chamber of commerce announced major changes are planned for the 2009 Sunbury Christmas on the Square Festival and the Christmas Parade that kicks off the event. The Christmas Parade will be the biggest and best parade ever; and the parade route is changing and registration forms for all parade participants are required.

Registration forms and a map of the parade route are available on the chamber website at < http://www.sunburybigwalnutchamber.com/ > and click News in the header; or stop at the Chamber office at 45 South Columbus Street in Sunbury.

Sunbury/Big Walnut Area Chamber of Commerce office hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Parade registrations must be submitted by no later than Monday, November 30, 2009, along with a signed liability waiver.

After the parade, everyone is invited to remain on Sunbury Square to visit merchants who will be open for holiday shopping and refreshments.

Many different groups and organizations will be around the square with various activities, Town Hall will be open for refreshments hosted by the chamber and, as always, Santa will be in town for photos with children.

Sponsorships for this annual community event are available and encouraged. For complete sponsor details, visit the chamber website or call 740-965-2860.