YMCA announces new holiday event

Van Wert independent/YMCA information

The YMCA of Van Wert County will be hosting a new holiday event in Van Wert this year. “Rockin’ the Holidays at the Y” will be a free, open to the public event that will be held under big tents and Christmas lights on the front lawn of the Y on Friday, December 23, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

There will be something for all ages. Santa will be “riding” in at 4:30 p.m. and sticking around for last-minute photos with kids, with a photographer onsite. Starting at 5 p.m., the Fortress Band will rock out some holiday music until 6:30 that evening.  Also during the event, cookies, chili and hot chocolate will be available for all to enjoy.

Horse and carriage rides will be available during the entire event, as well as a chance to win some great door prizes, including tickets to Steel Magnolia and Restless Heart at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, a $25 Pampered Chef gift certificate, a six-month Y membership and more!

Anyone joining the Y during the event will pay no joining fee, a savings worth up to $75. Y tours will also be available during the event.

“We are so excited to be able to host an event like this,” stated J.J. McClain, membership/marketing director. “The Y is located in the heart of our community and is such a family-focused facility.

“We wanted to take advantage of this and create an event that would give everyone something to do together right before Christmas,” McClain added.

This event is being made possible due to the following sponsors: Ace Hardware, Butler’s Bakery, Gibby’s Photography, Hughes Inn Bed and Breakfast (Santa), Jim and Sue Price family, Mulligan’s Pub, The Fortress Band, The Times-Bulletin, Town & Country Carriage, www.vanwert.com, Van Wert Manor, Van Wert Propane, The Van Wert independent, WERT/WKSD Radio and the YMCA of Van Wert County.

Information about this and other events at the Van Wert YMCA can be found by calling 419.238.0443, visiting the Y’s website at www.vwymca.org or emailing jj@vwymca.org.

The YMCA of Van Wert County is partially funded by The Van Wert County Foundation and United Way of Van Wert County.