UNION CITY, Ind.—Opening night of the 13th Annual A Community Christmas is Friday.
At 5:30 p.m., Union City, Indiana and Ohio police and fire departments will escort Santa and Mrs. Claus from Sutton’s supermarket on East Elm Street to Harter Park. Everyone is invited to follow the lights and sirens. The estimated time of arrival at Harter Park is 6 p.m., at which time the spectacular light display, with millions of lights, will be turned on, kicking off the 2018 season.
The drive-thru light display, throughout Harter Park’s 60-plus acres, will be open Thursday-Sunday through Dec. 9 and nightly from Dec.13 through New Year’s Eve. Hours are 6-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 6-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Vehicles may enter from either drive off of Jackson Pike on the east end of the park only.
There is no admission fee; however donations are accepted at the gate. Donations will benefit local groups who volunteer to welcome visitors and also to make it possible to continue the Christmas display in the future.
The Gift Shop, housed in the enclosed shelter house near the horse arena, will be open Friday and Saturday through Dec. 22 from 6-9 p.m. Inside, guests will find all kinds of treasures including baked goods, crafts, PAWS shirts, decorated dog biscuits, doggie apparel, jewelry, Tupperware, Avon, Christmas decorations, candles, gourmet popcorns and pretzels, flavored coffees and much more. Parking is available. Kids can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus every Friday and Saturday through Dec. 22 from 6-9 p.m.
A live Nativity will be located in the shelter house next to the Gift Shop on Nov. 23 and 24, December 7, 8, 21 and 22 from 6-8 p.m. On Dec. 22, several animals from the Idle-Hour Ranch of Troy, Ohio, including camels, sheep, goats, chickens and a donkey, will be included with the live Nativity, with special thanks to South Salem Church of Christ and Sonny and Darlene Hunt.
This year’s laser light show is sure to be a favorite for all ages. Its new location, at the soccer field at the west end of the park, will afford vehicles the opportunity to park and watch for as long as they want. It will be open 6:30-9 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting.
For more information about “A Community Christmas,” call 765-964-6302 or 765-964-6080. Individuals can like the group on Facebook and visit its page regularly for updates.
