Colette Smith, WCHS freshman Octagon Club member, stands with Santa and fellow helper Rosie Fleming, WCHS junior and Octagon Member.
(Photo by Alyssa Richardson)

Young and old alike gathered tonight in downtown Warsaw to celebrate both Hometown Holly Days, Warsaw’s December First Friday, as well as Light Up The Nite, the lighting of the Central Park holiday light display.

The Christmas-themed event offered guests opportunities to embark on a wintry, enchanting carriage ride for the cost of $5 or a canned food item as well as visitation time with Santa and his elves, compliments of the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club’s Santa House. In addition, visitors were able to mingle with special guest such as the Grinch at the Repurpose Room, Olaf the Snowman from the hit movie Frozen and Orby the Bowen Center dog who handed out hot cocoa to cold guests.

The centerpiece of the celebration was the third annual Twinkle Light Parade, which showcased vehicles and individuals adorned in festive lights throughout the downtown. The parade began at 7 p.m. in the Owen’s parking lot, traveled east on Center Street, then north on Indiana Street, finally ending in Central Park to “Light Up The Night”.

(From left) Marci Jacobs, Santa, Bob Stevens, Cooper Jacobs and Judy Jacobs celebrate First Friday.
(Photo by Alyssa Richardson)

In addition to the parade, carriage rides and guest appearances, First Christian Church put on a live nativity throughout the event and Best Schotz Victorian Carolers performed throughout the evening. Tri Kappa hosted a Make-It-Take-It craft project for children in the lobby of Key Bank on Center Street, and all the downtown stores were dressed in festive finery.

As a reminder, there will be no First Friday in January. First Friday will kick up again in February with Fire and Ice.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: Photos and video were compiled by Miriam Hagg, InkFreeNews Junior Reporter; Jarrette Van Meter, InkFreeNews Reporter; and Alyssa Richarsdon, InkFreeNews Reporter.]