Friday, November 30, 2012

Begin Your Holiday Traditions in Fairport Harbor with The 'Grinch' et al.

Since 2003 a unique family friendly event has been in place in Lake County's best kept secret Fairport Harbor.  The village hosts an annual Harbor Holidays day in which local merchants and community churches open their doors to ethnic food and holiday gift purchases. Harbor Holidays begins at 10am at the lighthouse and continues with the community organizations from 11-4pm. The Fairport Harbor Library hosts Gingerbread House experiences, coloring book contests, Grinch Drawing activities, book sales and more.  A book signing visit by the Grinch takes place at noon.  The Fairport Harbor Congregational Church on Third Street sponsors a community dinner and dessert auction. It begins at 4pm.  At 5:30pm the streets surrounding the Fairport Harbor Lighthouse and Marine Museum are closed off by the FHPD and families can bring their blankets and chairs to await the annual visit from 'The Grinch', fresh off his gift stealing crime spree about town.  At 6pm a word from the Mayor, a possible song from the 'Whoville Choir', and a retelling of the classic Dr. Suess story by the Grinch himself await those who are true believers.  Pictures with the Grinch, Max his dog, and Santa follow in the park.  Hot chocolate and snacks will be served by the Young Adult Group at the Congregational Church afterwards.

December 1st Schedule:  The Grinch is coming !!!

Harbor Holidays  10am-4pm -  Stop by the lighthouse, village churches or community merchants to sample ethnic foods, purchase holiday gifts or stocking stuffers, or simply stroll back in time when window shopping was the norm.  Event maps and Harbor Holiday guides are available at each participating organization.  Witness the mischievous Grinch stealing gifts throughout the day.

Harbor Holidays at the Library -  Ornament making will be available from noon-4pm.  The Grinch will be on site at noon to autograph his book (copies available to purchase that day).  A bake sale and book sale hosted by Friends of the Library occurs all day until 5pm

Fairport Harbor Historical Society Grinch Event - After a day of shopping at the lighthouse museum gift shop and community businesses, the Grinch, fresh from Mount Crumpit or Canada will appear atop the lighthouse tower at 6pm to share his classic autobiographical story.  Photos and light snacks will follow.

Toys for Tots - The FHPD and local VFW Post will be accepting gifts for the needy all day.  Come fill the cruiser and make a memory!

The weather promises to be good, the Grinch Gang will be in rare form, and an enjoyable time will be in store for all the true believers who come to N. E. Ohio's best kept secret - Fairport Harbor.  Thanks to all the volunteers and organizations who sponsor this free event.  They include The Young Adult Group at the Fairport Harbor Congregational Church, Fairport Harbor Public Library, Fairport Harbor Historical Society, Fairport Harbor Police Department, Fairport Harbor Village Administration, Fairport Harbor Mardi Gras, Kathy Dusa, Jeff's Garage, Deliver Me Food, Castellano's Pizza Cove, Great Lakes Boat Works, Mollie, Cat, Cyndi and the Grinch Gang.  Special thanks are in order to the former Fairport Harbor Business Merchants Association members who began this event and hosted it through 2009. 

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