The VCA's third annual Christmas in the Village

Julie Druker | Dec 02, 2015

The Verona Community Association's annual Christmas in the Village event, now in its third year, continues to attract young and old to the Verona Lions den in Verona for a full day of holiday fun and activities for all ages. The free event, as always, took place in and out of doors and included lots of games, activities and crafts for the kids.

They were also treated to a visit from Santa, who handed out candy canes. Outside, the kids enjoyed trips on the Verona Express train, hay wagon rides and a special gathering for the official lighting of the Christmas trees, which took place at the outdoor pavilion at 5:15pm. Doors prizes were given out through the day and evening and guests enjoyed home made chili, soup and homemade donuts and other sweet treats, courtesy of Phyllis Harper and Yvonne Guthro.

New this year was the auctioning off of a number of Christmas wreaths and centerpieces created and donated especially for the event by individuals and businesses from the local community. The proceeds go to support the VCA's annual programming events, which include Music in the Park; the kids' fishing derby; the Verona Cattail Festival and more. Guests also enjoyed a number of live musical acts, including Glenda Nichol, famed trick fiddler Jessica Wedden, Don Cochrane, Bob Connors and Glenn Foster.

Linda Bates, vice president of the VCA and chair of the Christmas in the Village event said, “The aim of the annual event is to kick off the holiday season here in Verona. We want to have a fun free event to celebrate the upcoming Christmas season, which everyone is invited to come out to and enjoy.”