Christmas in the Village returning to Strasburg Dec. 13

Strasburg is gearing up for the 15th annual Christmas in the Village, to be held Dec. 13. The event will feature a holiday 5K run and walk, a one-mile fun run, breakfast with Santa, ice sculptures, a Christmas parade, a live nativity and a visit with Santa Claus.

The fourth annual Rudolph 5K Run and Walk begins with registration at 7:30 a.m. at the school administration building, 140 N. Bodmer Ave. The 5K run begins at 9 a.m., followed by the one-mile fun run and walk at 9:05 a.m. Awards will be presented at 10 a.m. The cost is $35 for the 5K and $25 for the one-mile fun run. All finishers will receive a medal designed from student artwork. Shirts are available for $20. All proceeds benefit students at Strasburg Elementary School, and the race is sponsored by the PTG. There will be prizes in both the men’s and women’s divisions, raffles for Christmas cash and other prizes. More race information is available at racepenguin.com/events/the-rudolph-run.

Justin Hite and Nicole Yant are co-directors of the run and parade.

Strasburg Elementary students entered a contest to design the logo for the T-shirts given to race participants. Winners were Preslie Malterer, who received a $50 gift card and whose artwork appears on the shirt; Harper Lude, who received a $25 gift card; and Bodee Bailey, who received a $10 gift card.

A pancake breakfast with Santa will be served at the Strasburg Senior Center, 206 Second St. NW, in the basement of the United Methodist Church. Breakfast will be served from 8 a.m. to noon, and Santa will appear from 9-11 a.m. Pancakes, sausage and beverages will be served. Cost is by donation.

The Boy Scouts will offer free gift wrapping Dec. 13 from noon to 3 p.m. at St. John United Church of Christ. Gifts may be dropped off and picked up by 3 p.m.

A light-up Christmas contest, sponsored by the village, is open to all residents and businesses. Decorating must be completed by Dec. 7. First and second places will be awarded to residents, and first place to a business. Winners will be announced on the village Facebook page.

A new feature this year will be ice sculptures created by Elegant Ice Creations of Cleveland. Carving will begin about noon at the arch in front of the school.

Christmas parade registration will be held from 3 to 3:45 p.m. The parade will step off from First Lutheran Church, 211 Eighth St. SW, at 4 p.m., move up Seventh Street to Bodmer Avenue and disband at the school. Santa Claus will ride in the parade and is the only Santa permitted. There is no cost to enter. Parking is available at the school, and golf carts will transport visitors to the live nativity and to the fire station to visit Santa Claus.

The live nativity will be held at 516 N. Wooster Ave. from 5-7 p.m. and is sponsored by the churches in the village.

“This is the 15th year for the live nativity. Each year more is added and the event gets bigger and better,” co-director Justin Hite said.

“Over the years, the live nativity has evolved into what is now a beautifully choreographed event with sheep, goats, a donkey, cows and a live camel standing with the wise men,” said Elizabeth Slater, director of Christmas in the Village.

Santa Claus will arrive by fire truck at the fire station, 125 Second St. NE, from 5-7 p.m. Every child will receive a gift, and photos may be taken with Santa. Refreshments will be served.

“I am grateful that we have a long-standing event that we are able to offer to our residents, and we have had great volunteers from the beginning. I am newer to the committee, and seeing it grow is so much fun. I love the tradition and being able to share it with my daughter over the years,” said Katie Vickers, public relations officer.