The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By Shelly Gittings
Last Friday night our town celebrated its 30th annual Christmas Walk and Open House.
The downtown was beautifully decorated and the streets were bustling with activity.
Christmas music wafted through the air and while the weather was a bit on the chilly side, it appeared people were having a wonderful time.
Local businesses served up some wonderful holiday treats including hot chocolate, hot cider and a little wine tasting (for the adults).
For those who chose not to stroll too much, they were able to enjoy holiday music by "The Ramers" and company in the Bank of Stronghurst, "Joyful Sounds" in H & H and Rob Hull in the Senior Center.
The West Central Band and the West Central Elementary choir also entertained those who were strolling outside visiting with friends.
Other activities included Edwin Lee family Amish wagon rides, and Norm Menzenberg who is always able to entice the little ones with his barrel train rides.
New this year was a fun scavenger hunt with both children and adults participating.
For those who were able to complete the scavenger hunt, finding all of the ornaments throughout participating businesses and returning their card, were entered into a drawing to win a basket full of delightful goodies donated by those same local businesses. That lucky winner was Liam Smith.
Last but certainly not least Santa and Mrs Claus could be found in the Moore building next door to H&H, where he was listening to children's Christmas wishes.
Jolly elves were helping hand out candy canes and each child had a chance to win one of 4 prizes. Those four winners were Kinley Minneha who won a generation doll, Melody Klutz won a t.o.ts nursery set, "Titan" won a nerf gun and Creighton Heap won a paw patrol set!
The Stonghurst Booster Club sold 50/50 tickets. Proceeds to help sponsor the Christmas Walk.
The lucky winner was Marc Coursey who won $628.
Around town you might have seen some Christmas boxes at the businesses as the Booster Club is collecting food for FOCC.
We will be collecting food for another week and would appreciate any non perishable items you can donate.
It was a wonderful evening to celebrate the coming Holiday season and we appreciate all the businesses and the Village of Stronghurst for their help and participation in this event.
Don't forget Friday, December 3rd at 5:30 is the Lighted Christmas Parade.
Look for more information coming soon. Remember to shop local and support the businesses of Stronghurst this holiday season.
The Stronghurst Booster Club is hoping everyone has a happy Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas and hope to see you at the parade.
If you can join in the Stronghurst Lighted Christmas parade, join participants at the Henderson County Fairground by 5:00 p.m.