Local communities host weekend events for annual Christmas on Main Street
Reindeer next to Walt's Diner attracted many onlookers. Photo by Carol Hansen
Last weekend’s An Adirondack Christmas on Main Street event was “the best ever,” according to Mike Farmer, Old Forge Tourism Director, with hundreds of visitors foregoing the city traffic and crowded malls to enjoy some hometown holiday spirit and charm.
“They came because we offer a unique shopping experience of items you won’t find in the big box stores. Plus, there were lots of family activities going on all weekend. Spirits were high—as was evidenced by the estimated crowd of 1,800 that lined Main Street for Friday night’s light parade and tree lighting,” Farmer said.
Nate Haley, age 2, tries out the Reindeer sleigh at Candyland on Friday. Photo by Carol Hansen
Farmer said the Christmas Train, which carried hundreds of passengers from Utica on Friday and Saturday, was a huge success, with many Friday passengers spending the night at area motels to enjoy an extra day of holiday fun before returning to Utica on Saturday.
Chuck Rowlee, Train Master at Thendara Station, said that the number of passengers traveling from Utica’s Union Station to Thendara Station was up fifty percent over last year.
The Santa Train excursions on Friday and Saturday from Thendara to Otter Lake and back, also did well, he said.
“Everybody enjoyed the entertainment on the train and the visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Candyland at the Thendara Town Hall. It was definitely a successful weekend,” he said.
Santa and Mrs. Claus were busy all weekend, meeting with kids at the Forge Motel, posing for photo ops, and enjoying breakfast with fans at Walt’s Diner.
“We saw hundreds of children. Kids came up to us when we were in town or at the tree lighting and gave us hugs. It was wonderful. We had a grand time,” said Mrs. Claus.
One of the biggest attractions this year was the addition of the Cast in Bronze Carillon Bells Concert, which had performances on the hour on Friday and Saturday afternoon at the Point Park.
“It was a big hit. Everyone who came into the store was talking about it,” said Tom Smith of Wilderness Interiors.
The weekend’s festivities wrapped up on Sunday with the annual Reindeer Run up Main Street from the Goodsell Museum to Wrap City ‘N Glue at the busy corner.
Close to 50 kids took part in this year’s race with Charlie Uzdavinis finishing first, Calvin Barkauskas finishing second, and Alexis Hollister taking third place.
Following the race, participants enjoyed half-price tickets to Happy Feet 2 or The Muppet Movie and a free small popcorn compliments of the Strand Theatre.
“It was a tremendous weekend, but we want everyone to know that the experience didn’t end there. Where we come from, every day is An Adirondack Christmas on Main Street,” Farmer said.
