Sun staff
The rainy weather did not dampen the spirit of residents who came out to enjoy the Trains of Williamsburg Christmas Walk Dec. 7.
Dressed in rain coats and armed with umbrellas, adults and children enjoyed shopping, listening to Christmas music, visiting Santa and checking out all of the train displays.
“We still had a really good turnout considering the weather,” Terri Ousley, chairman of the Christmas walk committee, said about the event.
Ousley said the streets and businesses were still busy in the village, and raffle ticket sales were only reduced by around 50 people this year.
“We were thankful to see that many people come out with the weather like it was,” Ousley said.
For many residents, they wouldn’t miss the event that has become a holiday tradition.
“We do come every year,” Rebecca Gries, of Williamsburg, said about the event. “We love it.”
Gries, who brought her children to the Christmas walk, said they enjoy the small-town atmosphere and love seeing all of the train displays.
“It’s nice to come together as a community,” Gries said.
Sarah Grant, of Amelia, said she also brings her children to the event and to the library to make crafts each year.
“I enjoy it with the kids,” Grant said. “We always come out and make crafts.”
Many local businesses stayed open late to offer refreshments, activities for children and shopping opportunities. Some businesses also participated in the walk by setting up train displays in their window.
Fred and Becky Eichler helped set up a train display at the American Legion in the village.
Fred Eichler said creating train displays has been a hobby of his since he was 5 or 6 years old.
He said he dug out his train display and set it up for the Christmas walk.
“It’s nice to bring it out and share it with everyone,” Eichler said.
Students from Williamsburg Local School District band and choir also participated in the Christmas walk singing carols and playing Christmas music during the event.
Mary Ann Lefker, mayor of the village and member of the Christmas walk committee, said she was impressed by the participation of band director Kevin Lockwood and students in the music programs.
“It never ceases to amaze me how he can take these kids and get the best out of them,” Lefker said about the musical performances. “I appreciate what he and the kids bring to the Christmas walk each year.”
Lefker said she was also said she was pleased with the turnout and the event this year.
“Williamsburg refused to let a little rain dampen the Christmas spirit,” Lefker said.
The annual Trains of Williamsburg Christmas Walk is held the first Friday of December each year. For more information about the Christmas walk visit www.williamsburgohio.org.