Hundreds Turn Out For Jefferson’s Christmas In The Village

JEFFERSON – Hundreds of people turned out for the eighth annual Christmas in the Village event held at multiple venues throughout Jefferson, Saturday.
Beginning with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Milton First Aid Squad, the day was packed with events for all ages.
Santa and Mrs. Claus spent a fun-filled day by the large stone fireplace in the main lodge at Camp Jefferson, welcoming kids and their families to pose for pictures and to ask Santa for that special gift. The Jefferson Recreation Department hosted the event, making sure each child received a tree ornament and a candy cane from Mrs. Claus.
St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church and Milton United Methodist Church hosted musical events, including performances by Jefferson Township students from every age level.
The Gingerbread House Contest was showcased at the Milton United Methodist Church with 16 entries on display.
The Jefferson Township Fire Company #1 firehouse was transformed into a village marketplace with 18 arts, crafts and merchandise vendors selling everything from knitted hats to holiday decorations to handmade jewelry.
At the Jefferson Township Historical Society’s George Chamberlain house, visitors were treated to tours with costumed docents, Christmas music played on a an 1850’s Harmonium, the museum’s antique pump organ, hot apple cider and roasted chestnuts. Unique gifts, antiques and homemade baked goods were available in Miss Elizabeth’s Shoppe.
Saturday evening events included a performance by the Jefferson Community Players and the lighting of the Christmas, which was postponed from Friday because of inclement weather.
The weekend events concluded Sunday evening with lighting of luminaries along the sidewalk at the municipal complex.
“We appreciate the cooperation of all the venues involved and hope to keep this tradition going and bring the township together during the holiday season,” said Carol Punturieri, president of the Jefferson Arts Committee.
Kelly Barrett, Melissa Barrett and son, Braydon and Jim Barrett encourage Kelly and Jim's kids to smile for the cameras during their turn with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Brayden Barrett, 18 months, with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Sitting with Mrs. Claus and Santa, Angela Bannat, 3, her sister, Emma, 6, Liam Lillburn, 4 and his brother, Olin, 5.
Lena Glavich, one month, from East Stroudsburg, with Mrs. Claus and Santa. Lena is the granddaughter of Jefferson Twp. mayor Russ Felter.
Music provided by the girl scouts from Jefferson.
Pattie Murphy, right, looks at knitted hats by Babycakes, one of the vendors at the arts and crafts marketplace.
Mrs. Claus greets visitors at the Jefferson Township Historical Museum's George Chamberlain House.
Diana Filan plays Christmas music on an antique Harmonium at the Jefferson Township Historical Museum's George Chamberlain House.