Sun staff
The Bethel Business Association is preparing for Bethel Down Home Christmas, an 11 year tradition in the village, according to member Judi Adams.
Down Home Christmas will be held Dec. 7 this year will include a variety of festive activities and entertainment throughout the day.
“There is something for everyone to do and see,” Adams said. “The day starts with breakfast with Santa, Kids Fest in the mid afternoon, businesses will have open houses and the museum will be open, there is a craft show and then the parade.”
Adams said there will be an opportunity to win village gift baskets with items donated by local business owners at the Bethel Historical Society.
“The only time you can enter is the day of Down Home Christmas,” Adams said. “And you can only enter at the museum.”
Adams said there will also be raffle tickets available for a beautiful Christmas quilt, donated by Georgia Morgan and a doll house complete with furniture donated by Howard Jones.
Residents will have an opportunity to donate to those in need up until Dec. 7 by bringing canned goods to Community Savings Bank. The bank will begin collecting canned goods Nov. 1.
“Each canned good gives you one entry to win an iPad,” Adams said.
The traditional Christmas Parade will be held along Plane Street in the village. She said the parade continues to get bigger year after year.
“It is just fun,” Adams said. “People really go all out for these floats. And of course we have the biggest event when Santa comes and rides in the parade.”
Adams said the parade will begin at 6 p.m. this year.
“After the parade the whole community is invited to share community unity at Burke Park shelter house for hot chocolate and cookies.”
Adams said they are still taking entries for the craft show. She also encouraged business owners who want to be featured in the brochure to turn their information in no later than Nov. 14.
Adams said they are also always looking for volunteers to help with the event.
For more information about Down Home Christmas, visit www.bethelohevents.com or www.bethelbusinessassociation.org.