Christmas Garden lighting ceremony set

Van Wert independent/submitted information

Shown is Brenda Merkle of Merkle Insurance (front row, right) presenting a check to Louise Hartwig, Christmas Garden Committee member, while other major donors (back row, from the left) Eric McCracken of Lee Kinstle GM Sales & Service, Denise Frey of First Financial, Todd Myers of Pizza Hut, Suzie Grimes and Jim Nelson of First Federal and Thaison Leaser of Van Wert Federal look on. (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)

Thanks to a number of financial contributors and volunteer efforts, the Smiley Park Children’s Garden has been transformed into a Christmas Garden for the upcoming holiday season.

The Christmas Garden, which was first created in 2012 by local resident Jim Clay and a number of volunteers, will be unveiled to the public at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 27, during a special lighting ceremony held at Smiley Park.

Area residents who come out for the lighting ceremony can also warm up with hot chocolate, while cookies, and the “harvest” from a Candy Cane Garden and (new this year) a Lollipop Garden as well, will be available.

Santa Claus and his elves will also be on hand to welcome visitors, and will be also provide “something special” to the first 200 children who show up for the event that Wednesday evening.

The event is made possible by a large number of donors (click here for a full list) and volunteer labor, as well as the Van Wert Parks and Recreation Department.

POSTED: 11/14/13 at 7:42 am. FILED UNDER: News