1st Christmas On the Bricks this Weekend
1st Christmas On the Bricks this Weekend
Cattaraugus Invites You to a Four Day Celebration to Kick Off the Holidays
Imagine a festive weekend spent strolling by storefronts, a warm drink in your hands, and finding the perfect holiday gifts. Brightly lit holiday décor wrapping around the Village of Cattaraugus and filling the streets - it’s like you’re in your own Hallmark Christmas movie come true. So then let’s welcome the very opportunity to do just this. The first year of Christmas on the Bricks will kickoff with a concert by the Cattaraugus Little Valley Central School District Concert on December 7th at 6:30pm, followed by a weekend of magic and merry.
This event is a gathering of community businesses and members alike offering their time to spread some holiday cheer. It was originally headed by Rebecca Ellis, of Restyle Salon, and continued to grow in support by Anthony Nagel, Mayor of Cattaraugus, and multiple village volunteers. They worked their holiday magic and were able to put together an impressive agenda of activities and events to be enjoyed by all. With a lineup of several businesses, organizations, and vendors, one of the most anticipated moments to kick off the weekend will be from the big man in red, Santa Claus.
On Friday, December 8th from 4:00-6:00pm guests are welcome to come and meet Santa at the Bank of Cattaraugus’ Courtyard, take a picture and find out if you’re on the nice list! This is his only appearance for the weekend so be sure to stop by. Of course, to add to the magic, at 6:30pm the Christmas Tree will be lit to brighten the holiday cheer along with an evening of caroling.
Following a Friday night filled with cheer, Saturday, December 9th brings another day to add to the festive fun. You’ll find throughout the village an assortment of activities, shopping, refreshments, and live music. And if you think you can’t cover all the village grounds, local businesses and members of the community have sponsored a hay wagon along with carriage rides! Families and friends are sure to lock in the perfect holiday memories with the sounds of horses click-clacking over the historic bricks through the winter wonderland. The carriage and hayrides will run at the intersection of Washington Street and Main Street.
If you find your way over to the Fireman’s Club, you’d better have your Christmas List on-hand. They’ll have an assortment of local vendors offering a wide range of products such as homemade jewelry, crafts, baked goods, ornaments, soaps, and more! Make sure you also check off the gift of giving by grabbing a ticket to the 50/50 raffle which benefits the Auxiliary’s Christmas Angels.
Next up, hop back on a carriage ride and take yourself down to the Town & Country Disposal Shop or what may look like its very own “Whoville”. Explore the Dr. Seuss-inspired holiday display and maybe you’ll even find the Grinch himself, he’d love to take a picture or two! You can also make ornaments, grab a slice of pizza, and watch the green guy up on the screen while they play How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It’s the perfect spot for kids, or anyone, to take a break, get some food, and enjoy a craft to take home and remember the day by. Another fun activity for kids will be the scavenger hunt coloring pages, which includes 15 pages to be collected at various spots along the village that all reflect on local community businesses. A cute and creative way for kids to see and collect the village itself.
Saturday’s packed adventures and activities run all day and there are just too many to count! You can find a full agenda listed on the Village of Cattaraugus Facebook page at facebook.com/groups/villageofcattaraugus.
Wrapping up the weekend, all homes and businesses located inside the Village of Cattaraugus are encouraged to decorate their best holiday displays for a spot in the Lighting Decoration Contest. There will be over 20 cash prizes awarded and judging takes place at dusk on Sunday December 10th.
Make your holiday memories one for the books by visiting Christmas on Bricks in the Village of Cattaraugus and be part of the first-year tradition with many more to follow. It’s the perfect event to share with family and friends and we hope you enjoy a weekend full of festive flare!