The Hometown Treasure December 2011 | Page 55

Shipshewana Town News There is always something fun to do or see in Shipshewana, especially, during the holiday season. On November 12, local merchants and residents kicked off the holiday season by hosting 4,000 guests for a light parade, caroling throughout town, a live Nativity scene, and the lighting of a beautiful 50-foot tree in front of the Blue Gate Restaurant. November 19 was Chocolate Day. Guests began by purchasing a limited edition keepsake box at Aunt Millie’s Candy & Nuts at the Davis Mercantile. Guests then visited each Chocolate Walk merchant where they received delectable chocolate confections to fill their box. As an added bonus, those chocolates were hand-dipped and custom-made by several candy-makers right in Shipshewana. The Christmas Tree Walk will be open to the public from November 26 through January 2, 2012 at the Shipshewana Town Center. See holiday themed Christmas trees decorated by local residents and merchants. A Tree Preview Party will be on Friday, November 25, 2011, from 4:00 to 8 pm. Shipshewana residents, and owners and employees of Shipshewana businesses will receive free admission. During the month of December, the Hostetler’s Hudson Auto Museum will offer free admission in return for a couple of canned goods or a child’s toy to benefit local charities. November 29 marks the annual Wana Night Out. From 2pm to 8pm, most of the Shipshewana boutiques and stores remain open late so shoppers can enjoy a relaxed evening of browsing as well as special discounts offered during this time. For a couple of hours on December 2 and 3, the sounds of Christmas will fill the air when five accomplished pianists take the stage at Blue Gate Theater at the Grand Piano Christmas Extravaganza. From December 7 to 17, the Rick Webb family presents The Glory and Majesty of Christmas. Attired in Victorian-era clothing, the Webb by Sheryl Kelly family will first entertain by performing Christmas song in tight harmony. Then, with great pageantry, they share the traditional Christmas story by recreating the birth of Jesus. December 9 through 10 is Kid’s Day. This is a special events weekend for the young and the young-at-heart. Children can journey through the Davis Mercantile by first visiting Head Over Heels and picking up a special passport. Their voyage will take them in stores listed on the passport, where they will receive a stamp. Once the passport is completed at the end of the adventure, kids are eligible to enter a grand prize drawing. At the Yoder’s Red Barn Shoppes, a scavenger hunt begins at J. Farvers as well, taking children through the dozen or so shops in this location. A story time is also held every hour telling The True Night Before Christmas. No child’s weekend would be complete without a visit from St. Nick. continued on next page The Hometown Treasure · Dec. ‘11 · pg 53 The Hometown Treasure · Dec. ‘11 · pg 53