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Sharon's Victorian Christmas cancelled

SHARON — It was a heartbreaking decision.

But safety has to come first.

The Sharon Main Street Association has cancelled the village's annual A Victorian Christmas Evening, which had been scheduled for Friday. The event has been rescheduled for Dec. 4, 2009.

But volunteers have stepped up to fill the void and are working to plan family holiday events that will take place downtown from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sharon resident Kathy Santucci said.

The downtown Martin Street construction project created safety and accessibility concerns this year, according to a letter the association sent to participants. The board was especially concerned about safety for horse and buggy teams, said Sharon Main Street Director Karen Kenney. The association also was concerned about safety for attendees who might have to walk farther than usual through cold weather with fewer warming spots and fewer accessible bathrooms.

Started in 1995, the event normally includes a lighted, horse drawn parade, townspeople in period dress, carolers, minstrels, dancers, food and crafts.

About 400 people attended the first event, but the crowds have grown to more than 1,200 attendees. People come from all over the Midwest to enjoy the quaint celebration, Kenney said. That’s why the association is being careful to get out the word that the Victorian celebration is cancelled.

That means no lighted parade, historic re-enactment or fireworks.

But residents depend on the evening for family entertainment, Santucci said. So volunteers have been working to decorate downtown and organize businesses and vendors to participate.

Families will be able to attend a tree lighting at 6 p.m. and enjoy carolers, cookie decorating, snacks, crafts and Sen. Neil Kedzie reading “T’was the Night Before Christmas” to children.

A soup dinner will take place at Sharon Village Hall, 125 Plain St., Sharon.

Santa will arrive at 7 p.m.

“We want this to be a community celebration put on by the community,” Santucci said.

If you go

Sharon’s annual A Victorian Christmas Evening that was planned for Friday has been cancelled.

Residents and businesses are working to provide other holiday events downtown for residents and visitors.

What: Christmas in Sharon

When: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday

Where: Downtown Sharon

Details: Tree lighting at 6 p.m. Carolers, cookie decorating, snacks, crafts and Sen. Neil Kedzie reading “T’was the Night Before Christmas” to children. A soup dinner will take place at Sharon Village Hall, 125 Plain St., Sharon. Santa will arrive at 7 p.m.