Bowerston brings back Christmas in the Park 

Santa arrived in town by fire truck Saturday, Dec. 6, as the village celebrated its first Christmas in the Park event since 2019. Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted children preschool through sixth grade inside the community park building and listened to their Christmas wishes.

Hosted by the Bowerston Community Women’s Club in partnership with Sunnyslope Capital Healthcare, the village fire department and local government, the event was re-established to bring holiday fun back to area youth.

Fire Chief Michael Warner escorted Santa and Mrs. Claus to the park, where children were registered for gift card drawings in three age groups. The event featured holiday tattoos, ornament painting and games.

Hot cocoa and holiday cookies were served, and each child received a pair of holiday socks upon registration. Mrs. Claus handed out two treat bags to every child — one from the fire department and one from the Women’s Club.

Village resident and fire department volunteer Michael Wilson, assisted by his wife, Heather, photographed children with Santa. Families will receive printable photos by email.

More than 50 children and their families attended. Women’s Club treasurer Kim Willoughby said she was pleased with the turnout, especially since the event had not been held for several years. Mayor Paula Beamer, also a club member, agreed and said the village hopes to coordinate more community events.

The Women’s Club currently sponsors a hot dog luncheon at the village’s Memorial Day celebration, plants and maintains Main Street flower boxes in the summer, coordinates holiday streetlights and assists with the holiday display at the village entrance. The club also launched a veterans banner project earlier this year.

Anyone interested in joining the club may contact a current member. Information is also available at the library.