A Bicentennial holiday
Appropriately, the final Bicentennial event of this special year will be nostalgic for long-time residents of Miamisburg.
On Saturday, Dec. 8, the City, Bicentennial Committee and Miamisburg Merchants Association will jointly host the annual Community Holiday Celebration and bring back a popular Christmas tradition sure to stir old memories.
For many years, local holiday activities included a visit by Santa Claus to the former fire station on Central Avenue. Santa would arrive atop a fire truck, greet children at the station and distribute Christmas candy and an orange. In honor of Miamisburg’s Bicentennial, that event will be recreated for a new generation at the fire station located on First Street next to the Civic Center. He will arrive at approximately 3 p.m. immediately following the annual holiday parade.
“We wanted to wrap-up the Bicentennial in a special way, and Santa’s visit at the fire station was the best way we could think of to honor this community’s rich history,” Mayor Dick Church, Jr. said. “Everyone is invited to join in this special celebration and participate in one of Miamisburg’s great traditions.”
Another gift for residents that day will be a holiday concert by American Idol finalist Alexis Gomez at 7 p.m. Depending on weather, the concert will take place at either Riverfront Park or the Memorial Auditorium on Sixth Street.
The day’s full schedule includes:
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Home Party & Holiday Bazaar at Miamisburg Community Center
1 to 9 p.m. - Glice (artificial ice) open skate at Riverfront Park
2:30 p.m. - Parade along Central Avenue from Sixth Street to Riverfront Park
3 to 5 p.m. – Holiday-themed activities at Baum Opera House and Miamisburg Community Center. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at Fire Station on First Street; Horse-drawn carriage rides from Baum Opera House, Fire Station and Miamisburg Community Center
5 to 8 p.m. - Carolers, magicians, jugglers and musicians in Riverfront Park and along Main Street
6 p.m. - Mayor’s tree-lighting ceremony in Riverfront Park
6 to 10 p.m. - Luminary Walk in Veterans Memorial Park (also held on Friday, Dec. 7)
7 p.m. - Alexis Gomez concert in Riverfront Park or Memorial Auditorium, depending on weather