Rockton Christmas Walk Promising Bright Start to Holiday Season

By Marianne Mueller, REPORTER

 The Village of Rockton is decked out and anxiously awaiting visitors to the 32nd Annual Rockton’s Christmas Walk. This event promises a bright start to the holiday. Most of the action continues all day on Saturday, Dec. 3. The 2016 Christmas Walk Presenting Sponsor is once again the Gary J. Bach Agency, Erie Insurance.

Traditional events are blending with a few new events to bring this long time family tradition to life. Start off your weekend fun at the Rockton Lions Club breakfast then head over to a blood drive at the American Center on Saturday morning. Save a life from 8 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Rows of crafters will fill the Greater Rockton Center at the Candy Cane Craft Fair. Spend hours shopping for specially made handcrafted goods starting at 7:30 a.m. The Rockton United Methodist Church is hosting a craft sale, a bake sale and a chili luncheon and supper. In past years the sales have remained but the church only hosted a chili supper before the parade. This year that portion has expanded into a luncheon. An Open House at the Rockton Fire Department provides the perfect place to get warm while having fun.

Downtown shops will be open and loaded with Christmas spirit and ready to welcome customers. Crafty minded young ones will want to visit The Mix. Children who stop in have an opportunity to create a marshmallow hot chocolate stirrer. These can be taken home or tried out in the store. Make a beautiful memory by taking part in a Memorial Luminary Lane. Purchase a luminary for $5 each to be dedicated to a friend or loved one at Settlers Park. Each luminary will line the walkway at Settler’s Park sure to produce a sight to behold. This is a newly added feature to the walk this year! Capture a special Christmas memory with Santa Claus as little ones have their picture taken with the jolly elf! He will be awaiting visitors’ arrival at the Dairy Haus from noon until 4! Visit Talcott Library’s Book Sale. Cover gift giving for those avid readers Saturday, Dec., 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

“Lighting of the Park” begins at 4 p.m. with the lighting of Katie’s Tree and Village Green Park. Sounds of the season fill the air. Santa is paying a visit. Hot cocoa is available to keep everyone warm. Katie’s poem will be read by a family member followed by the lighting of Katie’s tree. Bring your family and friends out to Village Green Park! Check out the stunning scenes in the Rockton community while taking a horse drawn wagon ride. The Rockton Village Hall Municipal Center from will serve as a warming center from 4 – 7 p.m.

Every year one of the main draws to the Christmas Walk is the Lighted Parade. Rows of highly decorated floats roll down Main Street adding beauty under the night sky! The Lighted Parade begins at 6 p.m. It is requested that no parking be allowed in the 100 block of Main Street. Ending the main stretch of Saturday events is the Rockton Lions Club “Wimpy’s Fund” Auction. Immediately following the parade, stop into the American Center (American Legion). Tables of unique pieces can be bid on. All proceeds are used to supply young children with warm clothing and other needs through “Wimpy’s Fund.” 

On Sunday join the Talcott Library for the very popular “Chocolate for the Talcott Soul” as it is making a return. Sample from a large variety of goodies made with chocolate as the main ingredient. The fun runs from 1 – 3 p.m. Musical entertainment creates a full holiday atmosphere. As a bonus, bids can be placed in an attempt to win an awesome gift basket! Talcott’s Book Sale continues Sunday, Dec. 4, running the same time as “Chocolate for the Talcott Soul.”

All weekend long Miss Andrea’s Dance Factory welcomes the public. Have a blast from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. come on in to take part in free Christmas gift wrapping, letters to Santa, making your own reindeer food plus a photo opportunity with your favorite characters.

A full list of events, times and locations is available on the Stateline Chamber of Commerce website.