BUCKHANNON – The organizers of a new Christmas event at the City Park hope to take people back in time to an ‘Old-Fashioned Christmas.’

Robyn Simons attended the Nov. 30 Consolidated Public Works Board meeting to request the use of restroom facilities and permission to have a small parade for the event.

“I was at the BURMA (Buckhannon-Upshur Retail Merchants Association) meeting where the mayor spoke in favor of the Old-Fashioned Christmas theme and I tried to think of something that would add to Main Street,” Simmons said. “I live near the city park, and I thought we could have an ‘Old-Fashioned Christmas’ at the park. We could decorate the gazebos, have a tree lighting and Santa [will make an appearance].”

The event is scheduled for 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18.

“We are requesting a little parade for the arrival of Santa, which will include the Elite Twirling Group, and [we have talked to] the fire department and EMS about this,” Simons said. “We may have a police car and a fire truck with Santa. We are going to be reading the ‘Night Before Christmas,’ we’re having tables where they can write a letter to Santa, we’re having photos with Santa and the French Creek Tree Farm is donating the tree.”

Board member Pam Bucklew asked Simons if anyone else was helping her plan the event.

“I have a committee of about 10 to 12 people,” Simons replied. “I was on my way home, and Jerry Henderson was giving me a ride. She parked in front of the park, so that was when I told her my idea, so she and everyone else have been jumping on this because they want to help.”

The event will also feature live music, a live nativity scene, free stockings for kids, hot chocolate, cookies and Frosty the Snowman. The event is free.

“We are going to need the old wreaths and hopefully, the city can let us use their old garland, and we’re going to need the bathrooms open or a porta-potty,” Simmons said. “If it’s possible and if the street department has time, we would really appreciate it if they would help decorate the fence the white picket fence.”

Mayor Robbie Skinner said he was happy to see a new event taking place at the City Park.

“I think it sounds like it’s going to be very nice, and Robyn, I appreciate your efforts,” Skinner said. “We haven’t had any major Christmas event inside the city park – at least not to my memory.”