Talk About Woodville: Santa's parade to roll through on Christmas Eve
The meteorologists’ weather predictions for the holiday weekend make hibernation sound like a wonderful idea. “Oh, the weather outside is frightful” just might be the appropriate description as the forecast is for a snowy Christmas Eve with wind and a high of 14 degrees. Whether you consider that brisk, frigid, or arctic, the weather won’t prevent those famous folk from the North Pole from visiting. Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming to town and rumor has it that the Grinch is also planning to show up to do grinchy things.
Sean Rizor has always loved Christmas. So much, in fact, that he and his family spent their vacation last December staying in the house where the movie, “A Christmas Story,” was filmed. For several years, Rizor’s house was that one place in town with the Christmas light display, music and all. People drove down his street just to see the show until the year a winter storm did significant damage to the equipment. In 2020, Rizor turned his attention to other ways to celebrate with the residents of Woodville.
“I was disappointed that COVID stopped so many events, including Santa visits,” said Rizor. “So I decided to organize a mostly contactless Santa on a horse and carriage and travel almost every street in Woodville.”
With wife Stephanie’s support, Rizor reached out to friends and family via Facebook, assembled a team of “elves” to help, and “Operation Woodville Santa” was underway. Volunteers donated, wrapped, and organized gifts as well as helped to coordinate drop-offs along the route that Santa would travel.
“My wife just thinks I'm crazy anyway, but she’s used to me rarely saying ‘No’ to anything and always trying to organize something,” said Rizor, who has served 24 years in law enforcement and also finds time in his schedule to work as a real-state agent. “I like to give a little extra time doing something good with the hope I can bring some joy to people who otherwise may not be feeling it.”
It was quite cold Christmas Eve 2020, but Rizor and his team of “elves” spent 3 hours winding their way through town, giving gifts to children who bundled up to step outside and see Santa. Rizor’s daughter, Chloe, thought the idea was “pretty cool,” so she and a friend dressed up as elves and helped to hand out gifts that first year. Mrs. Claus even joined in on the fun.
“I love playing Mrs. Santa,” said Karen Timbrook. “The excitement of the kids is so rewarding!”
This year the parade will begin at noon and will start and end at the Shelter House at Trail Marker Park. Everyone is invited to follow Santa and Mrs. Claus on their ride though the village. Sleighs, sleds, carriages, golf carts, trucks, and cars — decorated or not — are welcome.The meet and greet with the Clauses and the Grinch will begin at 1 p.m. at the shelter house. It will be very cold so be sure to dress warm and wear your flannel everything. There will be a roaring fire at the shelter house to warm your toesies while you enjoy a snack and wait to meet Santa.
The “elves” are taking registrations to ensure that plenty of gifts and snacks are available. At last count, 79 children have already registered via the event’s website. Walk-ins are also welcome.
“The joy that comes from bringing our community together for the children is why I put so much into this event,” said Kalen Bloom, the “elf” who took on the task of sorting donations of gifts and treats.
The Clauses and their helpers will also be collecting donations for the Woodville Food Pantry. If you can’t make it to the event, donations can be dropped off at either the Woodville Library or the Woodville Police Department.
The parade route and the latest updates regarding Santa’s visit can be found on Facebook on the “A Woodville Ohio Christmas” page (@WoodvilleChristmas). A link to track Santa’s progress through town will be posted Christmas Eve morning.
For information about donating gifts and/or snacks, volunteering as an elf, or to register a child to meet Santa, visit OperationWoodvilleSanta.com. The elves are still taking registrations even though the listed deadline has passed.
Christmas Church Services
The Woodville United Methodist Church will present a special children’s program at 7 p.m. Christmas Eve. The program will be followed by a traditional candlelight service. The church is at 201 W. First St.
Solomon Lutheran Church will have worship services at 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, with a 30-minute extended prelude before each service. The church is at 305 W. Main St.
The two churches will have a combined Christmas service at 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 25, at Solomon.
Recycling Christmas Gift Bags
If you do not plan to save your Christmas gift bags for next year, do not throw them away. The Woodville Library is collecting them for next year’s community Christmas projects including the Salvation Army Angel Tree and Operation Woodville Santa.
Angel Tree Update
The Woodmore Unit of the Salvation Army thanks everyone who adopted an Angel and/or just added extra items to the stack of gifts under the tree. The donations exceeded the requests this year. Your generosity is much appreciated.
Police Department hiring
The Woodville Police Department is accepting applications for a full-time patrolman. Applicants must be O.P.O.T.A certified and have a clean driving record. Applicants must be able to pass the Ohio Police and Fire medical exam. Hours will vary weekly and will include weekends and holidays.
The full job description and online application are available at Indeed.com. Applications are also available 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday at the Woodville Police Station, 219 W. Main St. For more information, contact Chief Roy Whitehead at wpd8901@woodville.net.
Contact Rene Dix at 419-307-0914 or via email at rene.dix@email.com.
This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Talk About Woodville: Santa's parade to roll through on Christmas Eve
