Ford City drew families from all over the area on Saturday afternoon to experience “Christmas in Toyland!”
Sponsored by the Ford City Area Renaissance Community Partnership, it was the kickoff to the Christmas holiday season that offered quality entertainment, petting zoo, horse and buggy rides, and vendors.
“We talked after the last light-up (event last year) about all the toys we grew up with when we were kids. We wanted to do something retroactive that could bring the past back. And we came up with Christmas in Toyland,” said co-organizer Barbara Klukan. “We want to create memories for new generations.”
Hundreds of children were able to visit with Santa Claus at S&T Bank. Ford Memorial United Methodist Church sponsored a live nativity in front of the building on Fourth Avenue. A train gave rides throughout Ford City Memorial Park. Vendors sold merchandise and food at various locations along Ford Street.
The event concluded with a children’s parade and fireworks. Although it rained during the parade, it didn’t deter the crowd, who responded with umbrellas and raincoats.
The event drew approximately a thousand people.
(RIGHT) Santa & Mrs. Claus along with two of his elves were at S&T Bank to visit with children. (LEFT) Santa and 9-year-old Ava Crispen from Kittanning have a very intense discussion on her Christmas list.
The Christmas Story was told from a makeshift stable outside Ford Memorial United Methodist Church. In addition to church volunteers playing various persons in the Biblical account of the birth of Jesus, a miniature pony, dog, and a sheep also joined them in the stable.
Horse and buggy rides were given around the Ford City Memorial Park during the holiday event last Saturday. The ride was provided by Wolfe Dream Carriage of Apollo.
“Clover the Skunk” takes a moment to entertain one-year-old Marilyn Toy from Cadogan. Her mother, Lindsay, said the family came to Ford City to “hang out” with each other and enjoy the festivities.
Children enjoyed a petting zoo that included sheep, goats, llamas, and a camel. The area was located near the clock tower on Ford Street.
Back again for another season, the Rock & Roll Pet Store Show entertained not only children, but adults as well that gathered to watch. The Show is an amazing one of a kind children’s variety show that includes everything kids love: great music, unusual magic, funny puppets, and live friendly animals that magically appear to fill up the pet store.
A train made its way through the Ford City Memorial Park carrying passengers on Saturday afternoon.