Although Plain City’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting will be virtual, local children won’t have to miss out on the opportunity to meet Santa Claus. Once the tree is lit, Santa will participate in a parade around the village, following the route depicted above. Mayor Jody Carney said families are welcome to stand outside their homes to wave at and say hello to Saint Nick. (Graphic submitted)
Plain City officials and staff are still working to spread holiday cheer, even as traditions change.
Mayor Jody Carney said village staff and members of the Uptown Plain City Organization (UPCO) have worked to organize events that abide by public health guidelines.
After the Madison County Public Health Commissioner restricted large gatherings, she said the group of organizers chose to revise events rather than cancel.
Carney said they thought, “O.K., how can we keep the festivities going for our residents?”
She said there are a variety of activities community members can participate in throughout the month, while the largest event will occur Friday evening.
Since the traditional Christmas Under the Clock celebration could not be hosted safely, Carney said it was altered to allow for social distancing.
A virtual tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. Friday. The mayor said the winners of the holiday coloring contest will serve as the “tree lighting pixies.”
The winners of the home and business Christmas decorating contest will also be announced during the ceremony. The award recipients will receive cash prizes and yard signs to display.
Residents can view the livestream by clicking a link on the front page of the village website, www.plain-city.com.
After the tree is lit, Carney said Santa will travel through town on a “mini-parade” to visit local children.
“We wanted to bring the event to the residents,” since they couldn’t gather together, she said.
Santa’s parade route can be seen on the graphic on the Plain City News page.
Carney said families can stand outside their homes or local businesses along the route to wave and say hello to the jolly fellow.
Throughout the holiday season, residents can also partake in other events at their own leisure.
Carney said community members can drive or walk through a light extravaganza at Pastime Park.
While they’re there, she said there is a holiday-themed scavenger hunt in the park.
Elf on the Shelf will also be hidden throughout the village for children to find.
Carney reminded children to drop off their letters to Santa in the North Pole mailbox, located under the village Christmas tree. She said every child will receive a personal response from Saint Nick.
Although the celebrations may not look the same as they usually do, Carney said she is glad organizers were able to “think outside the box” and plan new traditions.
“People are craving normalcy right now,” she said, adding that she hopes the events “provide a glimpse of it.”