Christmas comes to downtown Sparta this weekend

Posted

It looks to be a magical weekend in Sparta as the community celebrates the official start to the holiday season. The unique tradition of Sparta’s annual night-time holiday parade continues this Friday, Dec. 3, with a theme of “Classic Christmas.” 

The parade kicks off at 6 p.m. from Park Bank on Franklin Avenue, then moves south down Water Street where it will turn left onto Oak Street and eventually disperse at the intersection of Oak and Tyler streets.

Parade entries will have the opportunity to win prizes for best use of lights, best of theme, Rudolph’s Award and Santa’s Favorite. The categories will be awarded via Facebook Live the week of Dec. 6. 

Prior to the parade, join Park Bank as it sponsors the fifth annual Sparta Santa Scamper at 5:28 p.m. The event will begin in the bank’s parking lot, located at 145 N. Water St. in downtown Sparta. 

All proceeds from the walk-run event benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Sparta and local food pantries. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged and comes with a free item such as hats, gloves or scarves like past events. 

Tickets can be purchased in person or on the Sparta Santa Scamper Facebook page. Lineup starts in the parking lot at 4:45 p.m.

Following the parade will be the official lighting of the Sparta Holiday Lights in Evans-Bosshard Park. The lights, sponsored by Sparta Community Holiday Group, will be turned on by Santa on Friday night at 7 p.m. 

To keep everyone safe from COVID, Santa and Mrs. Claus won’t be in their shack this year but will be walking through the park masked up.

Visitors are asked to bring nonperishable food items, which are collected at the entrance to the park.

Experience the magic of the holidays at the Kriskindlmarkt in downtown Sparta at Mueller’s Square. The market will be open on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The outdoor, traditional European-style market features local artisans offering a variety of products. The market is bigger than ever this year with several new booths in Mueller Square, by the newly refurbished Love Lock Bridge and Beaver Creek Kiosk area.  

Market visitors can stop by the Sparta Free Library from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday for the Kriskindlmarkt Craft Day. The free children’s holiday craft event is great for the whole family.

The museum is located at 124 W. Main St.; masks are required at the library for visitors ages 2 and up.

Earlier in the day, stop by the Monroe County Local History Room and Museum at 200 W. Main St. to see the museum’s holiday display, “A Swinging ‘60s Christmas.” The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The holiday exhibit is on view until Jan. 8, and admission is free. 

On Saturday, the Sparta Youth Hockey Association will host an open-skate night from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 1121 E. Montgomery St. The cost will be $5 per skater with skate rental included; admission for third-grade students is free. 

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here