Brewster to celebrate fifth annual Old Fashioned Christmas Nov. 29

The fifth annual An Old Fashioned Christmas will take place Nov. 29 from 5-8 p.m. along Wabash Avenue in Brewster. The community event is open to everyone and promises an evening full of holiday spirit and small-town charm.

Vintage carolers will provide music, and roaming train rides — sponsored by Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway — will be offered from 5-7 p.m. The Fairless High Silver Wings choir will perform from 6 to 6:15 p.m., followed by an opening prayer from Pastor Paul Mullet of Brewster Grace Community Church at 6:20 p.m.

This year’s tree lighting will honor longtime resident Vivian “Weegee” Owens, who will flip the switch at 6:25 p.m. following the prayer.

“I have lived here all my life and graduated from Brewster High in 1950. I love this town and what a quaint little town,” Owens said. “I love the old-fashioned street lights. I am honored — I will just push the button to light the tree.”

The Christmas tree was donated and will be decorated by Fairless Elementary students with handmade ornaments.

Mayor Charles Hawk said planning for the celebration begins in March. “The first year was just a tree lighting ceremony. Just as we started, large snowflakes began to fall — it was beautiful,” Hawk said. “I enjoy it. The event reminds me of a Hallmark Christmas card. We get to showcase the village.”

Hawk thanked the volunteers, vendors, and sponsors who make the event possible. This year’s celebration will feature 14 food locations, two food trucks, and numerous vendor booths.

Disc Jockey Lone Wolf will serve as emcee throughout the evening, announcing Santa Claus’s arrival by fire truck at 6:30 p.m. The DJ will provide holiday music from the boulevard.

Santa will greet children at the Community Center, 76 East Main St., where he will hand out goodie bags provided by Consumer National Bank and Brewster Federal Credit Union. Face painting and crafts will also be available at the Community Center. Consumer National Bank will collect food donations during the event.

Visitors can stroll along the boulevard to enjoy a live nativity near Grace Community Church. The Station Restaurant will be open from 5-8 p.m., and the Brewster–Sugarcreek Historical Society at 45 Wabash Ave. SW will be open from 4-8 p.m., featuring vendors and photo opportunities with a candy-distributing conductor near the caboose at the Wandle House.

Children can drop letters to Santa at 225 Wabash Ave. through Dec. 20 to receive a reply. Santa will collect the letters at 8 p.m. on Nov. 29 before heading back to the North Pole.

“I love seeing the town bustling — it brings back the old Christmas spirit,” Councilman Dave Godwin said. “Seeing people drinking coffee, visiting and smelling the popcorn — I just love it.”

Those attending can also participate in a holiday passport program by collecting stamps from local businesses. Once a passport is complete, participants can enter a drawing for door prizes, including gift baskets and gift cards. The drawing will take place at 8 p.m., and each family is eligible for one prize.