Visit downtown Lancaster for holiday fun

Things are about to get busy in historic downtown Lancaster with several events planned for the upcoming months.
It all starts Monday, Oct. 31. Make plans now to bring your little ghosts and goblins to historic downtown Lancaster from 6 to 8 a.m. for the city of Lancaster’s annual Boo Fun Fest.
Boo Fun Fest offers games, prizes, balloon sculpting, face painting, music, trunk-or-treating and candy, all within a safe setting at the city hall parking lot on Catawba Street. Everyone in the family can join in on the costume contest fun where prizes will be awarded for all age groups.  
Mark your calendars now for “Christmas in the City,” which incorporates three weeks of exciting holiday events including a tree lighting, a train ride with the “Jolly Old Elf,” Snack With Santa and the annual Christmas parade.
On Nov. 26, join Mayor Joe Shaw and his respective city council members for the annual tree lighting ceremony at Historic Springs House, 201 W. Gay St. At 6 p.m., enjoy hot cocoa, coffee, cider and cookies as well as music by the Second Baptist Church choir and others. The tree will officially light with the arrival of Santa. Once the tree is lit, the entire downtown district will come to life with beautiful holiday lights. The annual tree lighting ceremony is the perfect way to jump start the 2011 holiday season.
On Dec. 3-4, the annual Santa Train pulls out of the Lancaster & Chester Railway depot on South Main Street on Dec. 3 and 4 for a trip to our local North Pole.
This year’s North Pole is at Elgin Volunteer Fire Department, where children of all ages can leave their Christmas wish lists with Santa Claus.
With something for everyone, this year’s North Pole will feature holiday dancing by Lancaster’s very own Dance Works, face painting, famous Station 6 barbecue, as well as holiday sweets and treats.
For the naughty ones, the Grinch will be handing out treats to make your little ones sweet again for the holidays.
Tickets for the popular, family-friendly train ride go on sale at 9 a.m. Nov. 7 at city hall. The cost is $20 for adults, $10 for children age 12 to 6 months and free for children under six months. The 2011 Santa Train is cosponsored by L&C, Gulf & Ohio Railways, Founders Federal Credit Union and Elgin Volunteer Fire Department.
On Dec. 10, bring the family into the city limits for a day of shopping, holiday cheer and the annual Christmas parade. The Lancaster Children’s Home and the city of Lancaster partner once again for the annual Snack with Santa from 3 to 5 p.m. at Chastain’s Studio and Lofts. Children can discuss their Christmas list with the big guy. They can also enjoy holiday snacks, make crafts and take home a photo. The cost is $5, which includes the photo.
We have something special in store for the 2011 Christmas parade in historic downtown. Join us as we welcome home one of our own. The year’s grand marshal is Lancaster’s own Steven Neff. A former member of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks baseball team and a two-time national championship winner, Steven now pitches in the San Francisco Giants minor league system.
He will lead the parade, which will award trophies for several categories including brightest, best sound, most unique and judges choice.
For more information or applications for the above events, please go to www.lancastercitysc.com or e-mail me at chasty@lancastersc.com.
Our success begins with you and we hope you will come out to join us, starting Monday, either as a volunteer or a spectator. You make a difference and we look forward to seeing you.      
 

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The annual Boo Fun Fest has become one of the favorite events in downtown Lancaster.

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