Holiday festivities come to downtown Spencerport with Christmas on the Canal 2003

Sick of the rushing around during the holiday season? Wish it could be more like the good old days when people enjoyed the season in a simpler way? For one afternoon in December, Spencerport has found a way to take everyone back in time with their old fashioned Christmas on the Canal celebration. This year's festival takes place Sunday, December 7. That afternoon Union Street in Spencerport will be closed from the lift bridge to the plaza in order to allow for festivities throughout the downtown area.

Started eight years ago, this festival was the brainstorm of organizer Elaine Spaziano after she attended a similar festival in Niagara-On-The Lake. "I came back from that festival and asked the village board if we could do something similar," she said. "They agreed to let me try."

Her idea was a hit. No matter what the weather, this event has always had a good turnout. Last year's festival was the coldest yet, and it was still successful. At a time of year when everyone is rushing around trying to get ready for the holidays, it is wonderful to take a Sunday afternoon and simply stroll through the village with family and friends, sipping hot chocolate, taking a horse drawn wagon ride and visiting with neighbors and friends.

Vendors and the local merchants will throw open their doors and sell hot drinks and warm food to keep your insides toasty. There will be a live nativity scene, horse drawn wagon rides, numerous children's activities, and even a visit from Santa himself. One vendor will sell candles that can be used in the end of the day candlelit caroling stroll.

The festival will begin at 1 p.m. The entertainment begins at 2 p.m. at the Union Street bandstand as follows:

2:00 - St. John's Adult and Children Choirs
3:45 - Ogden Community Christian Preschool "Nativity Play"
4:00 - LaDanse Workshop
4:15 - Katie Vaughn - Spencerport Vocalist
4:25 - Leo Bernabi Elementary Band
4:35 - Melanie Larsen - Spencerport Vocalist
4:45 - Expressions of Dance by Lisa
5:00 - Tolling of the Bells, Lighting of the Christmas Tree
5:30 - One Mile Candlelight Caroling Stroll beginning at the Gazebo

In addition to the list of entertainment, the White Church in Spencerport will host a Christmas Concert from 3 to 4:30.

At 5 p.m. the church bells in the village will toll to signal all festival attendees to gather at the Gazebo. Mayor Ted Walker will officiate over the official tree lighting. At 5:30, the horse drawn wagon will lead everyone on a one mile, candlelit, caroling stroll which will end the day's activities.