GREENVILLE – The Darke County Park District announces its 8th annual Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland holiday celebration on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 6-9 p.m. at Shawnee Prairie Preserve.
There will be over 350 luminaries lighting the way along the wooded trails, allowing for a peaceful winter’s night in nature.
“As families hike along the illuminated trail toward the log house and blacksmith shop, they can enjoy the crisp air, the bright stars, and perhaps the light crunch of snow on this early December evening,” said organizers.
In the log house, the fire will be warm with holiday snacks and drinks to sample. Visitors can enjoy pioneer music of Christmas’ past as they relax in the comforts of the 18th century. Holiday crafts for all ages will be available upstairs in the log house and in the nature center to fuel memories of this staff favorite event. The nature center and gift shop will be open throughout the evening, offering a chance to discover a selection of unique gifts or that perfect holiday stocking stuffer.
The Friends of the Darke County Parks will also have a separate table set up offering a wide selection of gift baskets, one each for babies, toddlers, and older children, and two for adults, one of which featuring local made gifts. The baskets will range from $8-$35 apiece.
The Friends will also have beautiful door wreaths for $10 apiece which were made from the seed heads of the sorghum plants removed before pressing.
Roger Van Frank, director of the Darke County Park District, said he and the public have both grown to love this holiday event. He’s seen families make Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland an annual tradition and encourages everyone to join them for a peaceful evening filled with holiday cheer.
“The log house is my favorite part,” Van Frank admits, “Seeing it decked out in Christmas splendor and the public having such a great time making memories stringing popcorn and cranberries for the tree is what it’s all about.”
He also mentioned that Bear’s Mill will be having their open house the night before on December 4 from 6-9 p.m., and that Darke Countians could make a weekend of holiday family fun to kick off the season.
