IMA plans two-day event

"Do I like Christmas?" asked Carl Kosko, proprietor of the Inn and Spa at Intercourse Village. In answer to the rhetorical question, Kosko added, "My shed is full of Christmas. Christmas lights are everywhere, and wreaths are hung."

Like fellow members of the Village of Intercourse Merchants Association (IMA), Kosko is preparing for the holiday season. This year, IMA is planning the 26th annual Intercourse Village Holiday Celebration for Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 2. Both traditional activities, such as the Shepherds Walk, and new events, including a Christmas Cookie Tour, are planned over the two-day period.

According to Mike Sensenig, one of the organizers of the event, activities on Dec. 1 will focus on Center Street with local Boy Scouts lining the street with luminarias. "That's a fundraiser for the Intercourse Library," said Sensenig, who noted that local businesses are sponsoring the luminarias. At 6 p.m., activities will kick off at the library at 31 Center St., Intercourse. "Santa will come on a fire truck," said Sensenig, adding that other fire trucks will also be on display and that the Gordonville Fire and Ambulance ladder truck will offer rides. The tree lighting will be held at the library immediately following Santa's arrival, and a Pequea Valley High School choral group will sing carols. Light refreshments will be served, and Sensenig noted that local restaurants will extend hours that evening for the event.

On Dec. 2, a number of events are planned at Kitchen Kettle Village, including the Brave Sounds singers at 10 a.m., visits with Santa beginning at 11 a.m., and s'mores making and activities for children beginning at 11 a.m. Activities on Dec. 2 will also include strolling carolers at Smucker Village at 9:30 a.m., the Old Country Store at 10:15 a.m., and the Old Candle Barn at 11 a.m.

At 1 p.m., the first IMA Lodging Christmas Cookie Tour, which will benefit The Factory Ministries, will begin. The tour is the brainchild of Kosko, who had heard of a similar event as part of his association with a bed-and-breakfast group. Four local properties are joining in this year taking part. The Inn at Kitchen Kettle, the AmishView Inn and Suites, and the Best Western, and Kosko's Inn and Spa will offer a view into the holiday decor at each stop, along with cookies to taste. "There's a contest where you vote for your favorite cookie," said Sensenig, who added that the winning cookie will then be featured at Stoltzfus Meats and Deli in January. "(The cookie tour) has a lot of potential to be a lot of fun," said Sensenig. Tickets are necessary to take part in the tour. Readers who wish to obtain tickets may search for "Intercourse Merchants Association Christmas Cookie Tour" on Eventbrite or visit https://tinyurl.com/bdf2ht7p.

The Shepherds Walk, which returned last year, will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 2 at Ten Thousand Villages in Kitchen Kettle Village. Local children are invited to dress as shepherds and take part. The walk will proceed to the Old Candle Barn, where live Nativities will be held at 6 and 6:30 p.m.

In the case of inclement weather, readers may call 717-768-8926. More information about the events is available at http://www.villageofintercourse.com.