NHABA plans annual event

Christmas on Main announces the arrival of the holiday season in New Holland. This year, organizers with the New Holland Business Association, which presents the annual event, have endeavored to make the celebration extra special. "We will have a carousel this year for free carousel rides," said Kirk Neidermyer, co-chair of Christmas on Main with Ed Dougherty and Jen Parsons. The carousel, which will be located in the vicinity of Main Street and Roberts Avenue in New Holland, will not be the only change to this year's holiday observation.

A laser light show has also been added to the schedule, and the date of the celebration has been moved to the Saturday that falls two days after Thanksgiving. Dougherty reported that Christmas on Main will be held on Saturday, Nov. 25, beginning with a breakfast for children at St. Stephen Reformed Church at 8 a.m. and the opening of the Christmas Market in the New Holland Farmers Day Association building at the corner of Roberts Avenue and Franklin Street at 9 a.m.

Restaurant owner Mitch Dissinger championed the new laser light show, which will be set to music, saying he wanted to add "something different to step up our game" for the celebration. "(I think it will be) fresh and family-friendly for Christmas on Main," he noted.

Beginning at 11 a.m., South Roberts Avenue will be lined with a number of food vendors. Past events have included those selling coffee, doughnuts, hot dogs, tacos, nachos, barbecued chicken, ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken corn soup, and french fries. Petra Church will offer barrel train rides beginning at noon.

A number of area organizations and businesses located along Main Street will offer activities during the day, including the New Holland Area Historical Society, City Gate, and Forgiven Worship Center. The bell choir of Trinity Lutheran Church will give a presentation at 3 p.m., and the ELANCO Library will give away free books.

To add to the seasonal feel, GMDSounds will spin tunes on North Roberts Avenue. Santa Claus will arrive at Towne Centre Green, at the corner of Main Street and North Roberts Avenue, via a Garden Spot Fire Rescue truck at 3 p.m. Mr. Sneakers will perform at the same venue beginning at 3 p.m.

Round-trip carriage rides and hay rides will originate at Stauffer's Drug Store from 2 to 5 p.m.

Among the many musical performances planned for the event will be a program by the LV Singers from Lighthouse Vocational Services near the Christmas tree at Towne Centre Greene at 4:30 p.m. The switch will be flipped to illuminate the community Christmas tree at 6 p.m. The laser light show will immediately follow the tree lighting.

An updated schedule of events may be found at http://www.christmasonmain.com.