By Andrew Carranza
Allied News Staff Writer
Christmas lights are officially back on in Grove City.
Around 30 holiday-themed displays are shining brightly in Grove City Memorial Park for the first Christmas in the Park, a revamp of a former holiday tradition held at George Junior Republic.
“As someone who grew up in Grove City, I always remember going with my family to George Junior Republic to look at all the Christmas displays,” recalled Beth Black, executive director of Grove City Chamber of Commerce. “It was always a special tradition for us.”
But that tradition ended in the 1980s when GJR stopped hosting the annual event.
“When it went away, we felt a loss in the community,” Black said. “It wasn’t a tradition anymore.”
Until now, thanks to Black and the chamber, which decided to reinstate the event this year.
“We merged the original idea with something new,” she explained. “This is a new take on the old tradition and we hope this new event will continue in the future.”
Christmas in the Park has certainly struck a chord in the community, as many cars have gone through the park to view all the displays.
“Residents have really been thankful for bringing this back,” Black said. “It also brings in people from surrounding communities to view the displays, as well as visit our Grove City businesses.”
Black said she was blown away by the designs, which featured characters like Santa Claus, Christmas penguins, reindeer and, of course, Charlie Brown and the gang. The displays were created by various community businesses and individuals, according to Black.
“I was truly surprised at how creative the displays were,” she said. “Community members really put a lot of time into this. It really is heart-warming.”
The first place prize, worth $100, went to Microtel Inn and Suites, which incorporated a Charlie Brown-themed Christmas. Second place, worth $75 went to attorney Tedd Nesbit and his family for his Mercer County Courthouse-themed display. Tower Presbyterian Church placed third with its Christmas display, winning $50.
In addition to the Christmas light designs, eight antique signs are also on display, invoking memories of the former GJR tradition.
Grove City native Georgie Hodge donated the antique displays for Christmas in the Park, but noted that she was not 100-percent sure that they were the exact ones from GJR.
“I can’t confirm they are originally from GJR, but I’ve also had lots of people come up to me saying that they remembered the signs from their childhood,” she explained.
According to Hodge, she discovered the nostalgic signs while attending an antique mall near the West Virginia border in 2004.
“I immediately thought of GJR when I first saw them,” Hodge said. “I put them up in my yard and people driving by have also said the signs remind them of GJR.”
When Hodge heard about Christmas in the Park, she did not hesitate to offer the antique signs for the event.
“I’m really into Christmas and it’s absolutely wonderful to bring this back to Grove City,” she said.
Black said she hopes to continue Christmas in the Park in the future.
“It’s going to be bigger every year,” she predicted. “We had so many displays for the first year and we are excited to see the event grow.”
Published December 5, 2009 in Allied News. Pick up a copy at 201A Erie St., Grove City.
