A Magical Day… Greenup’s Christmas on the SquareBy Ellen Keaton
The Ashland Beacon
By: Ellen Keaton
When the holiday season rolls around, Christmas movies are everywhere, and many of them feature small towns with cozy celebrations full of vendors, sparkling trees, and, of course, snow. Have you ever wished you could step into one of those festive films and enjoy the magic for yourself? Well, this weekend, you can! Nestled along the beautiful Ohio River, Greenup is gearing up for its grand holiday celebration—Christmas on the Square, happening Sunday, Dec. 1, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Organizers Kathy Osborne Whitehead and Amy Spurlock are thrilled about the upcoming event. “We are so excited about the day we’ve planned, and the best part is that everything is completely FREE!” Kathy shares. “Our whole idea was to create something where families can come, have an amazing Christmas experience, and not spend a lot of money.”
The fun kicks off at the courthouse with a check-in station, where everyone will receive a map marking the HO HO Stops around town, plus a ticket for the door prize drawings. “At each HO HO stop, kids will get to make crafts, snap Christmas photos, hear holiday stories, and take-home fun holiday goodies!” Whitehead says. “Every stop offers something festive and absolutely FREE for the kids. We hope every child leaves with a bag full of surprises!”
And the prizes don’t stop there! “Another highlight is our door prize giveaways,” Whitehead adds. “Last year, we gave away bicycles, televisions, and so many other great items. This year, we’re calling it ‘Win on the Ten,’ and every ten minutes, we’ll be drawing for more prizes. Be sure to check the list to see if you’ve won!”
One of the most exciting additions this year is the Extravaganza of Trees, sponsored by Extreme Heating and Air Conditioning and Electrical Services. Imagine strolling through the courthouse square, surrounded by beautifully decorated trees while snow falls from five snow machines, creating a winter wonderland. Trees will be decorated by local businesses, families, and individuals. According to Kathy, someone suggested donating a tree to be auctioned to help fund next year’s event, and the idea took off! Now, trees will line the hallway of the courthouse and be auctioned off, with proceeds going toward next year’s celebration.
The town will be filled with Holiday Handcrafted Vendors, local church choirs will fill the air with Christmas carols, and mouthwatering food treats will be available throughout the day. A live nativity, presented by the youth of Greenup First Baptist Church, will offer a heartfelt reminder of the “real” meaning of Christmas. They will perform three times: at 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
As the day unfolds, Santa Claus will be making his rounds, strolling through town and ready to hear the Christmas wishes of all the little ones. And don’t forget to stop by the free photo booth provided by Oh Snap! Every family will receive a free festive photo to remember the day.
The day’s festivities will wrap up with the Greenup Christmas Parade at 5 p.m., a magical finish to an unforgettable afternoon. This is truly an experience you won’t want to miss! The fun kicks off at 2 p.m., so mark your calendars. For more details, you can reach Kathy Whitehead at 606.465.7025 or Amy Spurlock at 304.544.4041. You can also stay updated by checking out their Facebook page, Greenup’s Christmas on the Square. So get ready for a magical Christmas experience in Greenup—you won’t want to miss it!
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