Sun staff
Batavia Township kicked off the holiday season on Dec. 7 at the township’s community center with cookies and drinks, a performance by third graders from the Batavia Elementary School Choir and the lighting of the township’s Christmas tree.
The choir sang Christmas carols such as Deck the Halls, Winter Wonderland, Jingle Bells, Silent Night and Santa Claus is Coming to Town.
“They were so excited for this event,” said Karen Allen, music teacher at Batavia Elementary School. “They stopped me in the hall today to confirm the event was tonight.”
There are 55 third graders in the choir, which is comprised of students who each auditioned for a spot with the group.
“We’ve been preparing for these holiday performances since September,”Allen said. “I see them one time a week, during the school day, so it takes us a long time to get ready.”
She added, “The kids’ favorite carol is probably Frosty or Rudolph [the Red Nosed Reindeer]. Those tend to be the ones they know and can sing along every word.”
Allen said she thinks it’s important to have community events during the holidays.
“They bring people together, and we can see what we are capable of during, and not have to go to downtown Cincinnati or somewhere else to find Christmas cheer,” Allen said. “We can have it right here.”
Laura Polvado, of Batavia, attended the event because her daughter Skyler was performing in the choir.
“Events like this bring families together,” Polvado said. “It’s really fun for the kids and gets them in the Christmas spirit.”
She added, “I know nowadays, [Christmas] has changed its meaning so much, with all the advertising, and it’s nice to have an event like this that we can come to and they can participate in, and be the star of.”
Polvado said she thinks it’s great that township officials organize holiday events for the community.
Trustee Randy Perry also talked about the role the trustees and local government play in organizing community events during the holidays.
“There were some trustees here before us, and they set the precedent, and got it started, and it’s just evolved to this now,” Perry said. “It just keeps getting bigger and bigger every year.”
He added, “It means a lot that we’re able to get the young kids out with their parents. That’s what it’s all about, the kids and the parents, and the community being involved.”