Christmas in Thurmont

Deb Abraham Spalding “It was a Great day for everyone. Christmas in Thurmont is always a very special event,” said Vickie Grinder, Thurmont’s Main Street manager, about the 2017 Christmas in Thurmont event, held on Saturday, December 2, 2017. Mild and sunny weather made for a pleasant trip for participants to stroll through town, traveling from store to store to collect stamps for the prize drawing. Mayor John Kinnaird could be found smiling for photos as Santa in Mechanicstown Park. He has put his long white beard to work for several years, volunteering as Santa throughout Thurmont and surrounding areas. His wife, Karen, also helps as Mrs. Claus. Later in the day, he read “The Night Before Christmas” to a crowd of eager listeners at the Thurmont Regional Library. In the municipal parking lot, horse-drawn carriage rides were enjoyed by many. Boy Scouts with Troop 270 helped participants on and off the carriages in a safe manner. Prizes winners were drawn in a presentation held at Hobb’s Hardware. Almost every kid was a winner. The day was enjoyed by many. Mayor Kinnaird expressed these sentiments on Facebook, “What an absolutely amazing day we had at Christmas in Thurmont! Everyone had a great time and the weather was perfect. My thanks to the girls and boys of all ages who visited with us today, and a special thank you to the volunteers, businesses, and donors that made today possible. Christmas in Thurmont is one of the 365 days each year that reminds me of why I would not live anywhere else!” Pets also love to have their photos taken with Santa! Mary Dal-Favero’s dogs are too interested in Santa’s beard to smile for the camera! Santa is shown holding a baby elf, who felt so snuggly in Santa’s lap, a little nap seemed like a good idea. Niki Eyler (pictured right) of Eylers Stables hosted carriage rides during Christmas in Thurmont. She is shown with  Nan Collins. Driver John Towers is shown with Boy Scout Troop 270, who assisted with carriage rides during Christmas in Thurmont.