Decking the Halls And Celebrating the Holidays

STAMFORD – The Stamford Village crew was busy earlier this week, putting up lighted kissing balls along Main St. and installing the large snowflakes in Veterans Park. Ulla Wadner, of the Stamford Village Improvement Association (SVIA)  was out and about last week, lighting small Christmas trees and helping to decorate the gazebo in Veterans Park. It is all being done in time for Saturday's tree lighting in the park, which culminates a busy weekend in the village and the region as local communities prepare to celebrate the holidays. We have listed just a few of the events that are planned for this month. We started with this weekend's events.

Many communities and organizations host special events to help get us into the holiday spirit, to draw us into the community.

There  are organizations working to make things a bit merrier and brighter for some of us who need a little lifting in spirit. The annual Christmas Feeling Fund volunteers were working to wrap a couple of hundred toys just last week and next week they will be working to distribute the food, warm clothing, and gifts through an effort that involves many local organizations and assists more than 100 families. That to many is the true spirit of the holidays.

At Roxbury Central there is a mitten tree, sponsored by the PTSA. They will be collecting new mittens/or hats to decorate the tree in the main foyer. They are also collecting non-perishable food items to put under the tree.  The items will be donated to children and families in need in their community.

There are many such efforts taking place.

Local animal shelters and a myriad of other organizations have special activities that provide numerous opportunities for giving this season or to simply enjoy the season.

There is a group of singers at the Robinson-Terrace Pavilion on Buntline Drive in Stamford who have been rehearsing and  will be giving a special concert on Dec. 14 at 2 p.m.. They will open their program with holiday songs and close the program with spirit of America songs, such as Take Me Out to the Ball Game.

You can decorate cookies, have dinner or sundaes with Santa, sing Carols, go shopping, or do whatever makes your heart a little bit lighter and happier. Our communities are beckoning our participation.

The Festival of Trees display is at the Blenheim-Gilboa Visitor Center and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Dec. 1 to Dec. 30 . There are many beautifully decorated trees, created by local non-profits, to view. They are creative and inspiring.

Christmas Magic arrives in Bloomville this Saturday at 6 p.m.. The community there is gathering at the Bloomville Park to kick off the Holiday Season by lighting up the park with decorated trees. They are inviting the community to donate themed, decorated Christmas Trees to be placed in the park for the month of December. It is open to anyone and they will provide the electricity. Entries will be judged for the favorite. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive via a Bloomville fire truck promptly at 6 p.m.. There will be a hot cocoa bar and delicious chili. Anyone with questions, or to register, contact Heather@607-6443-3812.  And don't forget to bring your letter to Santa to put in Santa's mailbox, which is in the park now, waiting for letters to go to the North Pole.

The Bloomville Pride Committee has other activities planned over the next few weeks as well.

Conesville is also inviting the community to come out for their Community Christmas and Tree Lighting Celebration, this Saturday, Dec. 7, sponsored by the Conesville UMC and held at the Conesville Fire Hall. It starts at 4:15 with hayrides. There will be crafts, a DJ, refreshments, Santa ,and more. The event is sponsored by many community organizations.

The Headwaters Art Center in Stamford is inviting people to stop in this Saturday and create a homemade gift from noon to 2 p.m.. The art center is located at 66 Main St. in Stamford. The event will also be featured at the same time on Dec. 21.

The Stamford Village Tree Lighting is part of the Summer Concert Series held in Veterans Park. You are invited to gather in the park at 4 p.m., with the tree lighting at dusk. Three local musicians will help everyone sing some holiday songs and Santa arrives at 4:30 for photos. Prior to that, there is a popup market at Catskill Junction, as well as around the community.

The Heart of the Catskills Humane Society is hosting its annual Holiday for the Heart Tree Celebration at the humane society. Beautifully decorated holiday trees, wreaths, live holiday music, a bake sale, light fare, holiday gift shopping, and more. They do ask for a $5 donation on the day of the event, which includes one raffle ticket. The tickets to win a decorated tree will be pulled on Dec. 7 from 3 to 4 p.m..

In Cobleskill, there are pet photos with Santa, which is free, but they do ask you to consider donations for the Animal Shelter of the Schoharie Valley from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kelley Farm and Garden Agway, 239 West Main St., Cobleskill.

It is also Christmas in Schoharie at the Schoharie Library this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. There will be Drop-In Family Crafts and Holiday Storytime at 1 p.m. There will be hot beverages and cookies available, while supplies last. The library is located at 103 Knowles Ave.

The Stamford Central School will be alive this Sunday, Dec. 8 from 1-4 p.m with the Stamford NY Farm & Artisan Indoor Holiday Market. There will be amazing local artisans, farmers, bakers and small businesses. It is an opportunity to support local businesses all under one roof and find thoughtful handcrafted gifts. The event will benefit the SCS Yearbook Club.

This Sunday at 2 p.m. you are invited to enjoy ice cream sundaes with Santa at the Gilboa Town Hall. Make your own ice cream sundae, make a craft, and visit with Santa. There is the M&I Photo Frenzy with their photo booth. You are invited to bring an item for the Animal Shelter of the Schoharie Valley and earn a ticket for a prize. The tree will be lighted at the end of the day to spread Gilboa sparkle as we move into the holiday season. They also sing a Carol or two.

The Grand Gorge Fire Department is having Dinner and Tree Lighting with Santa and Friends this Sunday, Dec. 8 from 4-7 p.m. at the firehouse on State Route 30. They will be serving up hamburgers and hot dogs, mac and cheese and dessert. Please call or text Jim with your reservation at 607-437-1133 to provide the number attending and the ages of the kids.

Next weekend is also packed with many activities.

On Friday, Dec. 13, from 3-5 p.m., the Stamford Village Library is serving up hot chocolate and cookies, ornament making, stories with Mrs. Claus, and Letters to Santa. At 5 p.m., they plan on Christmas Caroling, so dress warmly.

Also on Dec. 13, there will be Sundaes with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the South Kortright Central School from 6-7:30 p.m. There will be stories with Mrs. Claus and you will be able to take your own picture with Santa. It is free and open to all ages. There will also be shopping in the hallways by the Environmental Club.

On Sunday, Dec. 15, there will be Christmas Caroling on a Hay Wagon, a hot cocoa bar and ice cream sundaes at 4 p.m. in the Bloomville Park and on Sunday, Dec. 22 they will be serving up S'more around the fire and there will be a special visit from The Grinch & Cindy Lou Who at 4 p.m. in Bloomville Park. They advise you to stay tuned to their Facebook page for more details on their events.

The Stamford Fire Department will be escorting Santa and the Grinch in a fire truck parade on Sunday, Dec. 21, starting at 4:30 p.m. and traveling throughout the village. Be ready to wave to Santa.