O.K. I know that Wooster has been having an Window Wonderland for 29 years. I know this because my husband, Bobby, wrote about it for his day job at The Daily Record. (You can read his promo story here or see photos from the event here.):
Window Wonderland was started by Main Street Wooster, and the first year members sold wreaths for front doors of downtown businesses. Candles were put in windows and lit. Santa visited the city that first year and every year since.
I think I have personally been to the event maybe one or two times since we moved to Wooster in 2004. Remember, we don’t have children to take to see Santa Claus. But yesterday, I may have just started a new tradition. Thanks to my good friends, Ron and Jan Maxwell and Russ and Amanda Stull, I was able to join them for their Window Wonderland tradition.
For four years or so, Ron, Jan, Russ and Amanda, have met up to enjoy the festivities that is part of Window Wonderland. Since Bobby was headed to Massillon for the last Mega Magic Monthly at Two Fat Guys BBQ, I would be on my own for the evening. I sent a text to Jan inviting myself to join her and Ron for the night, which is when I learned about their already established tradition.
The weather was beautiful, a little chilly, but clear and without any precipitation in sight. While we walked around and visited downtown Wooster’s businesses, I listened to the group discuss their previous outings to Window Wonderland. It was fun to hear and a little disheartening to think that I missed out on so many years.
The highlight, of course, was when Santa arrived in town. He was earlier than we expected, but that was O.K. The crowd was definitely excited to see Kris Kringle on the rooftop. Russ and Amanda’s son, Will, even offered commentary from an almost 2 year old perspective, when he said, “truck.” As usual, Santa came down from the rooftop to ground level with the assistance of Wooster’s Fire Department’s ladder fire truck.
By the end of the night we had enjoyed cookies and hot chocolate at a variety of stores as well as Lerch’s donuts at Wayne Savings Bank. (I made sure to pick one with plenty of sugar!)
We also saw reindeer, the Grinch, Beauty and the Beast and the Wooster High School Choral group (they performed at the Wayne County Public Library).
I think this is a new tradition for me — only next year Bobby will have to come. Thanks, Ron, Jan, Russ, Amanda and Will for letting me tag along. Can’t wait ’til next year!
