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Santa said he had “never gotten so many requests for farms, fields, or
farm equipment
before” as he passed out candy canes to the children of
Darke County.
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Walkin’
in a Winter Wonderland a Great Success
Darke County Parks’ annual Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland holiday event
saw one of the largest crowds ever on Saturday December 3rd. This was
the 9th year Darke County Parks has hosted this public and staff
favorite event. Over 700 people made their way through the half mile
trail of Shawnee Prairie Preserve lit with nearly 500 luminaries and
crisp with the hint of the coming winter on the air. Attendees also
enjoyed decorating gingerbread men, delighting in the 14 decorated
Christmas trees, and constructing Christmas ornaments in the Nature
Center. The Friends of the Darke County Parks Gift Shop was open
selling stocking stuffers, Christmas tree ornaments, and much more. St.
Nick even stopped in to see what was going on and visit with some good
little girls and boys.
At the log house, “200 year old” staff and volunteers welcomed the
chilly travelers in true historic style with spiced cider warmed at the
hearth and ginger molasses cookies. A mountain dulcimer filled the air
with Christmas peace, and even inspired some singing. Upstairs visitors
were invited to string popcorn and cranberries to decorate their trees
or feed their birds at home. Outside at the blacksmith shop, the anvil
rang, and the forged glowed bright.
Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland has proven time and again to be the
staff’s favorite event, and this year was no exception.
Roger Van Frank, Director, said, “The weather was perfect. I would like
to thank all the volunteers, staff, and public for making this such a
successful event yet again.” If you missed it this year, next year will
be the 10th annual and will be held the first Saturday in December
2017. The staff is already planning to make it extra special with an
extended trail and new activities. The Darke County Park District staff
wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
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