By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
London is gearing up for a couple of seasonal celebrations, and organizers welcome anyone who would like to lend a hand.
Pumpkin Palooza
First up is Pumpkin Palooza at Cowling Park, 175 S. Main St. Sponsored by the city of London, this autumn outing is scheduled for Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.
Activities include sidewalk chalk stations, face painting, a touch-a-truck display, a fall-themed photo opportunity, bounce houses, a pumpkin pie-eating contest for children and adults, a pumpkin giveaway, and a pumpkin decorating station. Food trucks and free cotton candy are planned, as well.
Anyone who would like to volunteer at the event can contact Eve Breedlove, city representative and event organizer, at ebreedlove@londonohio.gov.
“We could use help with watching the bounce houses, manning the cotton candy station, and that kind of thing,” Breedlove said.
She also welcomes civic groups and social service agencies who would like to put on an activity or set up a trick-or-treat table at the Palooza, as well as provide information about their services.
“There are so many assets and resources in London. Anytime we can gather them together and give them a voice, I’m all for it,” Breedlove said.
Old Fashioned Christmas
London’s Historic 1811 Downtown District is putting on this year’s Old Fashioned Christmas, a family-friendly holiday celebration that takes place on and around Main Street in downtown London. The event is scheduled for Dec. 1. Longer hours and an extended street closure are planned.
Last year, Old Fashioned Christmas ran from 2 to 6 p.m. This year, organizers are extending the hours, holding the festivities from 2 to 7 p.m. so that visitors can enjoy Christmas lights in the evening. Main Street will be closed from Cowling Park to the train tracks. Last year, the street was closed from High Street to Main Street. Public feedback prompted the extended hours and extended street closure, Breedlove said.
“We anticipate adding some kind of activity at Cowling Park, and there will be a tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. at the courthouse,” she added. “London United Methodist Church and McDonald’s participate in Old Fashioned Christmas, so by closing the street to Cowling Park, we’ll be able to include them a little more.”
More music, more strolling performance groups and costumed characters, and more inside activities are in the works.
Also new this year are sponsorship opportunities. Those who donate will be treated to a private party a few days after Old Fashioned Christmas. Sponsorship commitments are due by mid-October.
Anyone interested in serving as a volunteer or becoming a sponsor can contact London’s Historic 1811 Downtown District via their Facebook page.