This year’s annual Down Home Christmas celebration in Bethel will be expanded to include activities sponsored by the Grassy Run Historical Arts Committee and Bethel Burke Park Cabin Committee.
“A Pioneer Christmas” will be held in conjunction with the Down Home Christmas parade and celebration, and will include a number of activities centered around the Accord Cabins in Burke Park. The goal is to celebrate Christmas the “pioneer way.
According to Ron Shouse of the Cabin and Grassy Run committees, the pioneer Christmas celebration will feature children’s activities and crafts throughout the day. Included will be live blacksmithing demonstrations, where handmade blacksmith items can be obtained as unique Christmas gifts. Children are also encouraged to bring handmade Christmas ornaments to decorate a community tree at the cabins.
Shouse said that there will be free old-fashioned beef stew that is cooked in a kettle over an open fire, and hot cider to keep visitors warm.