Heritage Park Opens Gate to Welcome
Season With "Old Fashioned" Christmas

by: Bobby McDonald

 

 

It was a "warm" welcome for Hopkins County residents and their many visitors, on Saturday night, when the Hopkins County Historical Society opened the gates to Heritage Park and hosted what has become a seasonal tradition, their "Christmas in the Park," event. Using historical buildings, thousands of lights, period costumes, and special entertainment, the Historical Society shares Christmases Past with those in attendance, with music, Christmas cookies, a nativity scene, and loads of attractions.

 

 

"It's become a tradition for our family, who are here from out of town, to attend Christmas in the Park, while we're gathered for the Thanksgiving holiday," advised one local resident. "We can enjoy Thanksgiving dinner together, shop on Friday and Saturday, and all begin thinking about the joy of Christmas, at Heritage Park."

 

 

 

Blacksmith, George Law, displays a fireplace hook that he fashioned
at the forge, for visitors on Saturday night.

 

"My family enjoys the nostalgia of the event," inserted another attendee on Saturday night. "It's wonderful to share in the times from the past, when things weren't quite so technological and so bustling with activities. I know it was difficult to endure the many, many hardships that our ancestors endured, but there is a certain charm to the simplicity of life and taking a moment to stop and think about their lives, as they settled this part of the country!"

 

The smell of buttered popcorn permeated Heritage Park,
on Saturday night.

 

 

"My grandchildren love to visit with Santa Claus, every year, in the 'parlor' of the old house, and tell him what they want for Christmas," shared another Historical Park visitor. "Imagine if these old walls could talk and tell us about the many, many Christmases that they've seen, through hardships, celebrations, and activities! They've witnessed world wars, the black and white television sets, the times before the microwave oven, and a host of other things from days gone by!"

 

The General Store offered a variety of "homemade" gifts and
treasures.

 

Many in attendance attended the beautiful music provided in the Chapel, courtesy of the First United Methodist Handbell Choir, while others tasted delicious Christmas treats in the Atkins House, as they made their way to General Store, sipped hot chocolate, and watched a blacksmith fashion ancient tools at his forge. "And, we have to get some buttered popcorn on our way out!" exclaimed another attendee. "It just smells so good!"

 

 

 

"Mommy, I like this one!"

 

The Historical Society will share another night of Christmas in the Park, on Friday night, December 3rd, and then host a "drive-thru" on Saturday, December 4th, following the Lions Club Lighted Christmas Parade. Make plans to attend, if you haven't made your way to Heritage Park, or perhaps you want to share another "Christmas from the past," by making a second appearance, at one of the remaining times offered.

 

 

"Santa, I've been a very, very good girl!"

 

"Sharing Christmases Past...."

 

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