Ceremonies are longstanding tradition in Roscoe Village

Jennifer L. Manfrin
Correspondent
Special events such as the annual candelighting ceremonies in Roscoe Village attack visitors to the area and boost the economy.  According to Tourism Ohio in 2018, tourism for Coshocton County represented about $56.5 million in sales, supporting 738 jobs and $14.1 million in local wages and $6.8 million in local taxes.

ZANESVILLE - Heartwarming Christmas stories, beautiful holiday decorations, and, of course, the soft glow of candlelight. These are some of the memorable aspects of the annual Christmas Candlelighting ceremonies that have made them a popular tradition in the community for more than 45 years. 

For many locals and out-of-town visitors, the holiday season wouldn’t quite be complete without taking part in one of the special events. This year visitors will have two opportunities to light candles in the village in celebration of the season. 

The Christmas Candlelighting ceremonies will take place at 6 p.m. Dec. 1 and 8 on the main stage. Mary Ellen Given, executive director of the Roscoe Village Foundation, said that tradition is what makes the candlelighting ceremonies so meaningful.

“We are very careful to hold to the tradition that people have brought their families here year and year to enjoy,” she said. 

That tradition includes storytellers, lighting of the candles, and singing “Silent Night” during both ceremonies. 

In addition to the candlelightings, the village will be alive with holiday activities and reminders that the Christmas season has arrived. Luminaries will line the walkways, and strolling carolers will be making their way through the village. Visitors can purchase roasted chestnuts and enjoy free hot mulled cider and cookies. They may even get a glimpse of Santa himself as he strolls Whitewoman Street visiting youngsters. 

Given explained that many volunteers from the community, including local Boy Scout troops 403 and 406, help make the activities possible.

Although the candlelighting ceremonies are the main attractions of both dates, there will be other activities throughout the days. Carriage rides through Roscoe Village will be available as well as a petting zoo from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. There will be activities at the The Johnson Humrickhouse Museum including crafts for children from noon to 5 p.m. and samples of Gluhwein, a traditional German mulled wine, for adults from 3 to 5 p.m. Admission will be half-price on both Saturdays of the candlightings. 

Carolers will include members of the Footlight Players and the River View Certified Gold on Dec. 1, and members of Ridgewood Performing Arts on Dec. 8. 

“It’s just a nice place to be this time of year,” Given said. 

Visitors can also enjoy hands-on crafts at the Roscoe Village Visitor Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shops throughout the village will be open for Christmas shopping to begin fulfilling their lists. Village tours will also be available.

“The candlelighting ceremonies are very special, but the entire day is special because of the roasted chestnuts, the strolling carolers, the unique shops, the carriage rides – it’s the whole atmosphere in the village,” said Given, adding that the candlelightings give visitors time to reflect. “I think it gives you that little pause about what the season is really about – not gifts and glamour but the things that really matter most.”

If you go:

On the stage schedule for the Christmas Candlelighting ceremonies

Dec. 1:

Storyteller – Gene Warman of Warman Productions

Honorary Candlelighter – 2018 Canal Queen Sophie Meiser

Hearing Interpreters – Bambi Zinkon and Lacey Richcreek

Choir – River View Certified Gold, Director Dawn Anglin.  

Invocation and Benediction – Sam Brown, assistant pastor of Calvary Baptist Church.  

Santa and his elf will be strolling through the village to visit with children beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Dec. 8:

Storyteller – TBD

Honorary Candlelighter – Longtime General Store Employees OraMay Bush and Sandy West

Choir – Ridgewood High School choir  

Invocation and Benediction – TBD

Central Ohio Technical College will host the “Oh What Fun: Kids Crafts Campus Corner,” from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at the COTC Coshocton Campus, 200 N. Whitewoman St. Children can create a holiday craft and kids of all ages are invited to stop by for photos with a holly, jolly guest from the North Pole at the “COTC sELFie station.”

Roscoe Village will be offering a 90-minute guided Christmas-themed tour at 12:30, 1:30, and 3 p.m. on Christmas Candlelighting Saturdays. The tour is $10.95 for adults and $4.95 for students.

Roscoe Village will also offer a Christmas Lantern Tour at 7 p.m. following both candlelighting ceremonies. This special tour is $12.95 for adults and $6.95 for students; reservations are required and can be made at the Roscoe Village Visitor Center by calling 740-622-7644.