Weedsport's Old Tyme Christmas snowballs into more fun each year, said Weedsport Chamber of Commerce President Penny Hawker, the event's chair.

Twelve years ago the idea of a “shop run” came to Kathleen Spingler and the late Cherene Borthwick, shop owners, to stimulate holiday business in downtown Weedsport. It has since morphed into a tradition and source of community pride.

This year, visitors get the “shop run” map at any downtown business, then bring it completely stamped to the chamber booth for prizes.

“Last year we donated $1,000 to the food pantry, and we took part of last year's proceeds to use as a starter fund for this year,” Hawker said.

Even during lean years when profits weren't good, the food pantry always got its $1,000.

“When Cherene got sick and passed away, the Chamber took over and it went downhill,” Hawker said. “But it bounced back. It just went crazy last year. We actually had to turn vendors away, and we are now.”

A traditional 5K Run/Walk at 10 a.m. kicks off the celebration, with sign-ups from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at the South Street Fire House.

At 10:05, as runners pass the Four Corners, the parade takes off from First Presbyterian Church and marches north along Route 34.

With a fire truck leading, carolers follow, along with a horse-drawn wagon hauling Santa, Mrs. Claus and elves. Santa stays all day for photos in the Weedsport Free Library.

Visitors can park at Key Bank's lot all day.

More than 90 vendors from as far away as Fulton, Adams and Phoenix will sell specialties inside and outside Weedsport stores.

Free alpaca petting from Conrad Arnold and Charlene Loudon's Breezy Meadows will be offered along with the sale of alpaca products.

Snow bowling by the Lion's Club brownie troop on a single lane from Rainbow Lanes starts outside in the Key Bank parking lot, which will turn into a virtual kiddie park: Santa's playground.

Musicians,10 or 15 groups in all, will perform randomly in downtown businesses, including Burrit's Cafe and Stepping Stone, throughout the day. Tom Adessa of Auburn will also read from his children's book, “Butternuts for Rexford,” at Stepping Stone. A band will play at First Presbyterian Church.

The Sheriff's Department's Operation Safe Child will prepare free IDs until 3 p.m. at New York Pizzeria.

The Old Winton Shop will serve hot cider and baked goods by the high school freshman class and fried dough by the sophomore class; CJ's Bar & Restaurant will offer chili; and Heather's Hair Salon will feature Girl Scout cookies and Walt Schoonmaker's charcoal caricatures.

The Old Erie Restaurant will hand out homemade bread, specialty goodies, sausage sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs, along with free entertainment by magician Wally Meyer.

Jreck Subs will also have chili, cookies and brownies; New York Pizzeria's cheese slices will go for $1, and Lu-lu's Mobile Cafe will sell chicken fingers, nachos, french fries, cocoa and coffee.

Raffle tickets for two Merry-Go-Round Playhouse season tickets will be sold at downtown stores. A silent auction at the chamber Booth, next to the Presbyterian Church, features donations from vendors and businesses, as well as a downtown gift basket from Giancarelli Brothers Winery.

Prizes include gift certificates from local businesses, gloves, poinsettias and a wreath.

David Minturn's free horse-drawn wagon rides will take people around the village, stopping at the church, Jreck and Phoebe's.

The event ends promptly at 3 p.m., when Santa leaves.

Kathleen Barran

253-5311 ext. 238

kathleen.barran@lee.net