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Columbiaville’s Christmas in the Village returns on Saturday




Once again the vendors in the Columbiaville Flea Market will participate in the holiday festivities, offering kids’ crafts. Photos by Nicholas Pugliese

Once again the vendors in the Columbiaville Flea Market will participate in the holiday festivities, offering kids’ crafts. Photos by Nicholas Pugliese

COLUMBIAVILLE — The Village of Columbiaville will once again be decked in yuletide spirit with Saturday’s second annual Christmas in the Village.

Last year marked the first time the residents, business owners and administrators of Columbiaville, following the lead of the Columbiaville Downtown Development Authority’s Community Promotional Group (CPG), held Christmas in the Village, and according to CPG member Tonia Plumb, no one could have predicted how popular the event would prove to be. Proceeds from last year’s event were applied toward providing a Christmas for a Columbiaville family in need, and this year, Plumb said they’ll be sponsoring two families instead. “After last year’s success, everything was amazing, we raised over $800,” she said. “We decided this year to adopt two families, and they’re both local, that’s important.”

Plumb said everything that made last year’s iteration of Christmas in the Village a success will be returning this year, albeit with a few tweaks. This year’s version will kick off at noon on Dec. 8. “We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel, to us it’s all about highlighting community unity, and show what Columbiaville is all about,” she said.

Festivities begin in downtown Columbiaville at noon, with the Columbiaville Community Center opening its doors to visitors. The building will serve as host to the Holiday Market, which will feature 25 vendors along with raffles and a Christmas tree farm and wreath and grave blanket shop provided by Northwoods. “There’s a nice plethora of things (sold by vendors), a nice selection,” said Plumb. “A lot of baked or handmade goods, I’m excited, there will be a nice variety.” The community center will also be staging ground for holiday trailer rides that will escort attendees throughout the downtown area.

The Columbiaville Library and Historical Society and Museum will host Christmas crafts for families as well as a bake sale and book sale, while the Rotary Club will welcome shoppers for even more opportunities to visit vendors. The Columbiaville Flea Market will provide kids’ crafts, while the Columbiaville United Methodist Church will offer chili and cornbread served at noon.

Getting into the action this year is Video Vault and Craft Corner, who will offer movie and tanning specials, prize drawings and a variety of crafted items, while Inspired on 4654 Water Street will provide a gift-wrapping station by donation, as well as a Christmas selfie station and a selection of repurposed and handmade items. William Peter mansion will also hold an open house welcoming all visitors from noon to 5 p.m.

Plumb said the timing of the event was adjusted slightly from last year to allow all residents, including vendors and shop owners, to attend the village tree lighting at 5:45 p.m. The community will gather at the tree behind the library for the lighting as well as a community Christmas sing-along led by the LakeVille High School Choir.

“A lot of people told us they loved what we were doing, bringing together the community to help people in need,” Plumb said. According to Plumb, last year’s event was busier and bigger than they had hoped, thanks in large part to the enthusiasm of area residents. “There were many great complements of the event, everyone was in a great mood.”

Plumb said there are still a few spaces available for vendors. To sign up as a vendor, or for questions regarding the second annual Christmas in the Village, call 810-793-4411.

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