TEISHA MCELFRESH
Staff Writer
The eighth annual holiday tradition took place on Dec. 2 in Barker Commons. The event was put on by Fredonia Festivals, the local town planning board for community activities.
Many different sponsors worked together to help make “Miracle On Main St.” possible, including Weather Hill Farm, Tuscany Fresh Meats and Deli, Walmart and Harvest View Greenhouses.
The family friendly event kicked off at 10 a.m. with the annual tree lighting in the Barker Commons gazebo. During this time, Santa made his special appearance with Mrs. Claus by his side, talking to community members throughout the day. Excited children got a chance to tell them what they want for Christmas.
Also at the event was food such as Sahlen’s hot dogs, a kettle corn stand and caramel apple chips. These choices made hungry festival goers happy.
Free horse-drawn carriage rides were offered for families to enjoy the sights and sounds of Fredonia.
Non-perishable food items were dropped off at the event in collection totes to help the Fredonia Food Pantry as well. Local community groups such as Fredonia Boy Scout Troop #267 showed their generosity and time by selling Christmas wreaths for $25 each to benefit the Food Pantry. Companies such as Weather Hills Farms also sold Christmas trees for the charity.
One of the most anticipated activities of the day was the second annual Holiday Craft Show held at the Fredonia Methodist Church. Makers and craft collectors got a chance to get into the holiday spirit with Christmas tree decorations and holiday art for sale. A carved wooden Christmas bear giveaway was at the center of the action, being valued at over $500.
Raffle tickets were sold at $10, and the proceeds were used to support future community events by Fredonia Festivals. Proceeds were used to support Willow Mission, an outreach ministry program at the Dunkirk First United Methodist Church.
Co-chair members Melody Mann and Tanya Burns gave their input on why this year has been superior to other years for the event.
“‘Miracle on Main St.’ doubled in size this year, which was a huge incentive to the success it has had this year so far,” Mann said.
The food vendors and horse-drawn carriage rides were not offered to the public in 2016. Along with the event growing, the amount of festival goers has increased as well. The weather for the holiday season so far has held off, which may have contributed to the success of the event.
“The weather this year made it easier for people to be outdoors which made for a nice turnout,” Burns said.
Both of the co-chairs agreed that this event is the favorite of the committee because it helps members of the community look forward to the holiday season.