On Wednesday, representatives of XAMA, the Xenia Area Merchants’ Association, met with representatives of the City of Xenia and the news media to begin detailed planning for this year’s “Hometown Christmas in Xenia” event. The overwhelming success of last December’s celebration assured that this year’s will be even better. Last year families walked all over town and had a chance to take a horse and buggy ride. Carolers strolled around town, stopping on corners and popping into local cafes. Children listened to Christmas stories, made decorations and gingerbread men at local stores, and everyone had a chance to experience the familiar feelings of the Christmas season in Xenia the way it used to be.
We had music on the Towne Square and Santa arrived to turn on the lights of the Christmas Tree and listen to the Christmas wishes of all of the little ones who came. The day was chilly but fine. Snow was neatly piled along the streets, spirits were high, and many of Xenia’s “townies” got to see one another for the first time in years.
So December 11-13 will be the dates this year. On Thursday the City of Xenia will welcome Santa’s arrival at Shawnee Park. On Friday the Xenia Merchants are still working on plans for a historic walking tour of the downtown area. Also on the agenda is a possible Christmas Choir event at The Cavern. Merchants will be open late hours and featuring seasonal specials. There will be an auction of holiday wreaths to support Xenia’s Community Theater, X*ACT.
On Saturday all of Xenia’s Hometown merchants will be having a Holiday Open House with tours, snacks, crafts, music and specials. Again this year we will have horses and carriages making short tours of the city for a nominal fee. A large horse drawn wagon will also take families between destinations in town and in the Kennedy Korners area for free. Carolers and choirs are being encouraged to come to town and perform for your friends. There will be free music in the afternoon and evening at Xenia Towne Square and Santa will arrive at 5 PM to light the tree listen to some Christmas wishes and pass out some candy canes.
XAMA is searching for church choirs, barbershop quartets, acoustic musicians, carolers, and any other creative individuals to contribute their talents and enthusiasm to this project. Opportunities will be available to perform throughout the weekend. Business Sponsors are also being solicited. Last year over 30 local businesses, non-profits, banks, and individuals contributed their time and money towards the success of Hometown Christmas. The Hometown Christmas Committee has determined that a suggested a donation of $100 to Hometown Christmas per sponsor will be needed to conduct this year’s event. Sponsorship of individual events such as the carriage rides or music are also being solicited. In addition, sponsors and XAMA members will be eligible to share in steeply reduced advertising preceding the event. For information about participation or sponsorship, please contact the Xenia Merchants at xeniamerchants@sbcglobal.net or Carolyn Archer (937-620-5017) at C J’s Boutique, 72 S. Detroit Street, Xenia, Ohio 45385.