Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

The highlight of Christmas in Staunton is the debut of Christ- mas in the Park, including 45 lighted and animated displays in Duda Park. These special displays have been provided by the city along with the Staunton Chamber of Commerce, Heri- tage Health, Skeeters and His Service Station. As a com- munity, we thank all of these organizations and the workers who set things up for their part in making this a very special and memorable Christmas in Staunton.

But it isn’t just the displays that will make Duda Park a favorite spot over the Christmas season.

On Saturdays, Dec. 10 and 17, Santa will be in the gazebo in Duda Park from 6 to 8 p.m. taking Christmas wishes and offering great photo opportuni- ties. Plus there will be fire pits for families to roast marsh- mallows and make s’mores. And, of course, Christmas in Duda Park needs music so the Staunton High School Choir will perform the evening of Dec. 10 and the Community Choir will perform the evening of Dec. 17.

Christmas in Staunton begins Friday, Dec. 2, with the tree lighting ceremony on Main Street at 7 p.m. Just prior to the tree lighting, the official announcement of Staunton’s Citizen of the Year will be made. Santa is expected to be on hand for the tree lighting. Also Friday evening, the Staunton Clergy Association will host their live Nativity from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Businesses are encouraged to decorate for the holiday and stay open Friday evening offer- ing specials and/or refreshments for shoppers.

The official debut of Christ- mas in the Park will take place immediately following the tree lighting on Main Street when everyone is invited to walk through the lighted display at Duda Park. The display will continue for the first three weekends in December from 5 to 8 p.m. with special events on Saturdays.

On Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., youngsters are invited to the Snack with Santa at the corner of Main and Wood streets. Joining Santa this year, Mrs. Claus will be handing out cookies to the kids. Everyone is asked to bring a canned good item for the Staunton Food Pan- try. During Snack with Santa, a horse-drawn carriage will trans- port guests along Main Street. There will be booths set up on Main Street for face painting, hot chocolate and a special pen set up with two horses for the children to pet.

There will be a giant inflat- able slide in front of city hall and an inflatable train obstacle course in front of Sidetracked Hobbies for the kids to play on (weather permitting).

Saturday is also the day for shoppers to get their passport stamped. Have your passport stamped at 10 or more stops to be entered in a drawing for gift cards from local businesses. No purchase is necessary to have your passport stamped, and many passport stops are providing free activities for the kids. Passport stops are As- sociated Bank, Bank of Hills- boro, Bank of Springfield, Brick House Florist, Cisler Real Estate, Fleming, Tawfall and Co., Ink Forge, Madison Communications, Mayfield's, Mercantile on Main, Neal's N- Gauging Trains and Sidetracked Hobbies, Pearl Essence Studio, Russell Furniture and Flooring, St. Paul UCC, Sullivan's, The MAC, Thrivent Financial, and Vintage Station.