Licking to celebrate a “2020 Kind of Christmas”

Photo by Shari Harris
Christmas 2019, Santa prepares for the toy giveaway at the Mill.
The Licking News
Licking will be celebrating a “2020 Kind of Christmas” downtown on Saturday, Dec. 5, beginning at 9 a.m.
The merrymaking begins with the Christmas Bazaar at the VFW Hall. Vendors will happily help you check off your Christmas list. Gift ideas include wreaths, table runners, quilts, flower arrangements, crocheted and knitted items, painted signs, gift baskets, Christmas crafts and ornaments, pillows, pot holders, string and barbed wire art, lighted and painted bottles, embroidery, tea towels, jewelry, baked goods, freshly canned vegetables, jellies and salsas. Something for everyone!
Three groups will be hosting fundraisers at the festivities: Licking Downtown will have all things Licking, including Licking Mill wood signs, t-shirts, hoodies and 2021 historic calendars; the Wildcat Travel Club will also be at the VFW with additional unique gift items available. Sonshine and Rainbows Day School will be selling fish dinners at the Church of Christ, $8 for adults, $4 for children; the meal includes fish, hushpuppies, potatoes, baked beans, cornbread and a drink.
Santa will be in attendance at the VFW Hall from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This year, as last, you’ll want to bring your cameras or smart phones to capture the moment. Don’t forget to register for the toy giveaway at the VFW.
Santa will be seeing the children again at the Toy Giveaway to be held at the Licking Mill at 2 p.m. Be sure your children are registered at the VFW prior to the giveaway.
The “2020 Kind of Christmas” Parade commences up Main Street at 4 p.m., with line up at 3 p.m. in the Licking High School parking lot. Everyone is welcome to come and show their Christmas spirit by participating or by joining the spectators. You do not have to register to participate. Prizes will be awarded for religious and non-religious floats. First prize is $75, second prize is $50 and third prize is $25.
Cookies, cocoa and caroling will enhance the holiday spirit at the Lighting of the Mill shortly after sunset at 5 p.m. This has become a beautiful Christmas event that includes the traditions of the holiday.