Local activities make it appealing to stay “home for the holidays” Everything from Santa to snowman contests!
“Over the river and through the woods” may sound exciting, but sometimes staying close to home can make the holidays less hectic and more meaningful. Besides, with all of the Findlay-area events and activities, how could you fi nd time to leave? This year may be a great time to start your own family holiday traditions, whether it’s travelling to Rawson to cut your own tree, or stopping in downtown
Findlay to sip a hot chocolate on festive Dorney Plaza. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, area families will fi nd indoor and outdoor adventures that don’t require airline tickets or even a full tank of gas.
Now through Friday, December 24
Winterfest
Downtown Findlay
Commencing with a tree-lighting at Dorney Plaza on “Black Friday” and offering free horse-drawn wagon rides, Winterfest merits several visits to downtown during the holiday season. Ft. Findlay Kiwanis
sponsors Santa’s House, and Flag City Morning Rotary is serving up cookies and hot chocolate. While you’re there, check out the downtown merchants for unique and affordable gifts. Winterfest is coordinated by the Findlay Downtown Association and is available for guests on Mondays and Fridays from 6 to 8pm.
Saturday, December 4
Parent’s Shopping Day Out
Findlay YMCA
300 E. Lincoln Street
419-422-4424
www.findlayymca.org
Need a shopping day without kids hiding in the dress racks and requesting numerous trips to the food court? For a minimum donation of $2/child, the caring staff at the Findlay YMCA will provide age-appropriate activities for kids ages 6-weeks-8 years from 10am to 2pm. YOU get to power-shop and THEY get tired out. . . hopefully. Stop by the downtownY front desk to register. For more information,
call 419-422-4424.
Lee Greenwood’s Christmas Show
Central Auditorium
200 W. Main Cross St.
419-422-4624
www.artspartnership.com
Let this two-time winner of the CMA Male Vocalist of the Year Award, entertain you and your family with holiday melodies and original country classics at 7:30pm. Adults, $30; seniors and
students, $28. Discounts for ArtsPartnership members. Purchase tickets at the box office.
Sunday, December 5, Funday Sunday Holiday Celebration
“Boxes and Bows”
Mazza Museum
University of Findlay Campus
11178 Township Road 201
419-434-5521
www.mazzacollection.org
Mazza’s Funday Sundays are always a treat, but the holiday program is like a second Christmas Day! Staff and volunteers decorate the entire museum and provide hands on holiday activities for toddlers through elementary students. Of course, refreshments are served and the Gift Shop is open with oneof-a-kind gifts for the children’s book lover. All Funday Sunday events are free of charge.
Make a Wreath
Findlay-Hancock County Public
Library
206 Broadway Street
419-422-1712
www.findlay.lib.oh.us
Join the Hancock County Master Gardeners for a wreath-making workshop from 1:30 to 2:45pm. Fresh cut greens, a bow, and all other materials are furnished for a fee of $15. Register online. Make a Wreath is also being offered on Monday, December 6, from 5:15pm-6:30p.m.
Monday, December 6
Holiday Story Time
Findlay-Hancock County Public Library
206 Broadway Street
419-422-1712
www.findlay.lib.oh.us
Take a break from the holiday madness to share stories and songs with your kids. All ages welcome. Free of charge from 11:15 to 11:45am.
Saturday, December 11
Candle Light at the McKinnis House
Litzenberg Memorial Woods – Hancock
Park District
6100 U.S. Route 224
419-425-7275
www.hancockparks.com
Experience life in early Hancock County as the 1940s McKinnis Family and friends gather fireside to discuss why they will or will not celebrate the holidays from 6 to 9pm.
Saturday, December 11, and Sunday, December 12
Coats for Christmas
Glenwood Middle School
1715 N. Main Street
419-425-8373
glenwood.findlaycityschools.org
If you or someone you know is in need of a gently worn coat, or a new hat and gloves, you’re invited to enjoy this free “shopping” opportunity. Children’s and adults’ coats will be available and no proof of need is required. Coats will be replenished throughout the weekend. Hours on Saturday are from 9am to 5pm and on Sunday from 1 to 3pm. There’s a rumor that Santa will be visiting until 1pm on Saturday!
Friday, December 3, and Saturday, December 4
Pioneer Traditions Tea
Litzenberg Memorial Woods –
Hancock Park District
6100 U.S. Route 224
419-425-7275
www.hancockparks.com
Miss McKinnis welcomes you to the historic McKinnis House to learn about early pioneer holiday customs, hear live dulcimer music, drink hot tea and sample old fashioned tea bread at 1:30pm. Pre-registration necessary by December 1, with $6/person payable at the Hancock Parks Office.
Now through Sunday, December 19
Kaleidoscope Farm
14841 C.R. 54
Rawson, Ohio
419-722-1154
www.kaleidoscopefarm.com
Travel just a few miles south of Findlay and let Dave Reese and family help you start a great holiday tradition. A visit to Kaleidoscope Farm can include cutting your own tree from Dave’s stock of spruce and firs, a visit to the Gift Shop, wagon rides (on weekends, weather permitting), feeding real reindeer, and enjoying homemade cookies and other treats. Tree prices range from $25-$75 and Dave also sells a “foolproof” tree stand. You can even return your tree after the holidays for recycling. There is no charge to visit the farm and enjoy the activities.The farm is open Monday through Friday from 4 to 6pm. On Saturdays from 10am to 6pm and on Sundays from 2 to 6pm.
Friday, December 17
Christmas Fest
Findlay YMCA
300 E. Lincoln Street
419-422-4424
www.findlayymca.org
Santa must be spreading himself pretty thin this year, as he’s also expected to make an appearance at this free event open to the community from 6 to 8pm. Kids can have pictures taken with Santa
and write him a letter to assure delivery of “can’t live without” gifts. Families are invited to an open swim from 7p.m.-8p.m. and to enjoy snacks, crafts and holiday music.
Monday through Friday, December 27-31
The Y’s Christmas Camp
Findlay YMCA
300 E. Lincoln Street
419-422-4424
www.findlayymca.orgIt’s the age-old dilemma—you have to work and the kids are out of school. Keep them occupied and eliminate the need for continuous phone conversations by sending them off to Christmas Camp. The experienced Y staff will entertain kids ages 6-12 with games, crafts, movies, swimming, gym time, and even a snowman building contest if the weather cooperates. Need privacy to do some giftwrapping?
The Y will hold an overnighter on December 23 with drop-off at 8pm and pick up as late as 2pm on Christmas Eve. Several rate plans are available with a discount for Y members.
Ballet brings holiday magic and spectacle
There’s no holiday tradition as beloved as The Nutcracker, with its fantastic imagery and iconic Tchaikovsky score. And in a real way, the tradition is stronger in Toledo than anywhere else. The Toledo Ballet presents its 70th annual production of the Nutcracker this month, making it the longest-running production in the country. This year’s show features almost 150 performers, and has even more holiday treats in store than ever.
To begin with, this year the Ballet is unveiling a lavish new set for the show’s second act—the “Land of Sweets” sequence. The set is a major upgrade from the previous one, which was obtained secondhand over twenty years ago.
“The set was designed from the perspective of how a seven-yearold child would see it,” says Ballet Executive Director Mari Davies. “We wanted it to have a feel of wonder and awe, but we didn’t want it to be scary.” The result was a feast for the eyes. “The colors are deep and lush,” Davies says, “magenta and sapphire blue. You want that set to have a sense of substance, and not feel like it’s going to float away. That’s what this one does.”
The Nutcracker’s cast is big and diverse, ranging in age from seven to 70. And in what’s become a local tradition, the cast includes some local celebrities. This time, for one performance, the nondancing comic role of Mother Ginger will be fi lled by Richard Anderson, chairman emeritus of the Andersons, Inc., whose foundation largely funded the new set.
“I called Dick’s offi ce one day,” Davies says. “I said ‘Tell him Mari called and and tell him I have a really funny question.’” Apparently, Anderson’s interest was piqued—when he next saw Davies, he greeted her question with an enthusiastic “well, YEAH.” Anderson’s big stage moment will come at the Nutcracker’s evening performance on Saturday, December 11.
For the other two performances, Mother Ginger’s big shoes will be filled by Rick Woodell, DJ at 101.5 The River. This will be Woodell’s third year in the role, and Davies is thrilled to have him. “He’s just over-the-top hilarious,” she says.
The professional dancers show an impressive array of talent, as well. Two guest dancers appear, from the Miami City Ballet. “It’s one of the most highly acclaimed companies in the world,” Davies says. Renato Penteado will dance the roles of the Cavalier and the Snow King, while Katie Carranza portrays the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Snow Queen.
“They’re so nice,” Davies says of the visiting stars. “They’re warm; they’re approachable. There’s no sense of aloofness; they’re wonderfully grounded and terrific.” With talent of this caliber anchoring a timeless work of art, this year’s Nutcracker is an experience that families will remember forever.
See The Nutcracker Saturday, December 11, 2 & 7pm, Sunday, December 12, 2pm. Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns, Toledo. 419- 381-8851. www.ticketmaster.com. toledoballet.net. Tickets $17-47, not including varying Ticketmaster processing fees.
