Christmas comes early in Eldersville
The 25th annual Christmas in the Village craft festival will begin the holiday season this weekend, and this year the popular Eldersville tradition features a “Nutcracker Suite” theme. “We are celebrating our silver anniversary,” said Peggy Strain, president of the Christmas in the Village team. “So, our colors for this year are red and silver.” Those who travel to the free festival will be able to view and purchase handcrafted holiday-themed items from more than 75 regional artists. The event will be held today through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Guests arriving to the festival will notice a unique handcrafted “welcome house” that will offer brochures and other information. To go along with this year’s theme, a Brett Keisel nutcracker complete with flowing beard will help greet visitors. In addition to being a silver jubilee, the festival will have a few other noticeable historical angles. “This year, for the first time, two of our historic buildings have gained recognition as registered landmarks,” Strain said. Strain said White Church on Fire Road was built in 1844 and had its origin as an abolitionist church. Built in 1876, Heritage Hall features a second floor that has been converted into a museum. Heritage Hall is featured prominently in the festival as one of the four locations where food will be served, along with Jefferson Township Fire Hall, Eldersville Methodist Church and Cornerstone Mennonite. A breakfast with Santa event will take place at 8 a.m. Saturday. Tickets for the meal can be purchased by calling 724-587-3832. At noon Saturday, the Christmas parade will include marching bands, engines from the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department, Boy Scouts, dancers and floats. Strain said the event was made possible by the participation of community groups including the Eldersville Mennonite and Methodist churches, Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department and auxiliary and Jefferson Township Historical Society. “This is a festival with food and crafts throughout the village,” Strain said. “Without those groups we couldn’t have done that.”For a certain population of visitors, the highlight of the festival is the handcrafted, wooden train. “The Village Express train will be running again this year,” Strain said. “The kids really love to get rides on the train.” For more information, visit the festival website at ChristmasInTheVillagePa.com.