Talk About Clyde: St. Paul to host Christmas tree display, Cookie Walk
St. Paul Lutheran Church is hosting two events on Saturday during Winesburg Weekend, Christmas Tree Lane and a Cookie Walk, both in their parish hall.
"Our church has a lot of good bakers," said Brenda Sieger, president of the women's group, who is anticipating dozens of donated cookies. "Last year we had two 8-foot-long tables and one 6-foot-long table filled with cookies." All cookies are made from scratch by members of the church and brought in the day of the event. Customers can fill a container with any cookies of their choice and will be charged by the total weight. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18.
Visitors to the cookie walk can also check out Christmas Tree Lane and vote for their favorite decorated tree. Winners will be announced at the parade on Saturday night. As of Sunday, several trees had been registered from various local businesses and church organizations, said Traci Myles, chairman. For more information or to enter a decorated tree, contact Myles at 419-603-0442.
The church is on the corner of Forest and George streets, across from the Clyde Public Library. An elevator entrance is off the driveway across from the library and there is also a front entrance on George Street. Christmas Tree Lane hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Trees can be dismantled and removed from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday. People can vote for their favorite decorated tree on Friday.
Clyde Museum, McPherson House open on Saturday
If one has never visited the Clyde Museum or the McPherson House, Saturday is the day to do it. An open house is being held from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday. Holiday goodies will be served at both locations.
Hot cider will be heated outside over an open fire at the McPherson House. Civil War reenactors from 1st Ohio Light Artillery Battery H Group will be there with their Civil War cannon. The McPherson House, the birthplace of General James B. McPherson, is at the corner of Maple Street and McPherson Highway. The museum is on West Buckeye Street across from the post office. Watch for the museum's Whirlpool Fire Tractor and Whirlpool's Cushman Ambulance in Saturday's parade.
Doebel's Petting Zoo returning for 2023
The Petting Zoo at Doebel's Flowers on McPherson Highway is coming back this year after Thanksgiving. A longtime attraction during the holidays, it was suspended during the COVID-19 epidemic. Pets will be supplied by Shooting Stars Petting Zoo, which may occasionally bring in special animals for a couple of hours. Watch Doebels Facebook page for updates.
Eric Doebel has been planning the new layout which enlarges and brings the petting zoo closer to the greenhouse area and will have viewing on all four sides.
"There will be plenty of area for people to sit and view the animals," he said. Separate entrance and exit paths to the zoo have been created for sanitary purposes.
Photos welcomed at Doebel's Greenhouse
The winter photo area with the porch and antique sleigh are also enlarged. The process of flocking the area to simulate snow may require as much as 75 pounds of artificial snow. It is a dusty process, requiring Doebel to wear a face mask, goggles and hat for protection. The most time-consuming part is the hours spent completing the area and then wetting it down, he said. The artificial snow appears like powdered sugar on the area and the texture is similar to flaky instant mashed potatoes, he said. The mixture contains an adhesive substance which may take up to two days to dry. "It's an amazing transformation," he said.
Doebel said he is 99% positive that both the petting zoo and Winter Wonderland areas will be completed by Thanksgiving.
"It's a work in progress or a new puzzle to solve," he said of the planning and construction process, with the help of one employee. "It's exciting, it's more work but will be rewarding in the end." he said. New Christmas items will be available. His mother, Cheryl, and others are busy making grave blankets and pillows, some embellished with miniature birds.
St. Paul Lutheran Church holds Birthday Bash
A Four Score and More Birthday Bash was held for all church members age 80 and older at St. Paul Lutheran Church on Sunday. It was the way of the Evangelism/Social Board to show the seniors that they are still a very important part of the congregation. A roast beef dinner was prepared and served by board members.
Jeanette Liebold Ricker writes about Clyde and Green Springs. Contact her at 419-547-8177 or by email at jeanette.ricker@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Talk About Clyde: St. Paul to host two events during Winesburg Weekend
