Published: November 12, 2009 09:32 pm      

Plans finalized for Frostburg Storybook Holiday, set for Dec. 5

FROSTBURG — The Mountain City will once again be transformed into a holiday winter wonderland, as local organizations come together to present the sixth annual Frostburg Storybook Holiday, a daylong event of seasonal activities, on Dec. 5 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The day begins with the Breakfast with the Elves from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Tickets are available at the Hotel Gunter.

From 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Main Street will be closed for five events — the third annual Elf Olympics competition, the 1K Jingle Run and Main Street Mile races that will start from the West End, the Storybook Holiday Parade, sponsored by the Frostburg Masonic Lodge, and performances by the Frostburg Dance Academy. Alternate parking will be available on Broadway Street during these events.

Holiday storybook readings will take place from 1 to 1:30 p.m. at Main Street Books, the Frostburg Community Library, Mountain City Traditional Arts and the Gunter Hotel lobby.

A presentation by children’s author Jennifer O’Connell will take place at the Frostburg Community Library from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. She will also be at City Place at 2 p.m. to sign books.

Frostburg’s City Place on Water Street will host a variety of activities throughout the day. From 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., children may visit the Secret Elves’ Workshop to choose a craft to make and wrap as a “secret” gift. They may also visit the Letters to Santa Station, where they can write and mail their letter to Santa Claus at the North Pole mailbox. Children may also choose to have their photo taken with an elf.

Vendor booths will be selling a variety of crafts and artwork, as well as beverages and snacks.

From 1 to 3 p.m., musical programs will take place at Mountain City Traditional Arts, and the Soroptomist Holiday Auction will be held at the Frostburg Community Center. The annual Mountain City Cookie Contest, as well as free cookie decorating will take place from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Hotel Gunter.

Restaurants and stores will be open, with special holiday offerings, and will showcase holiday story window decorations created by area schoolchildren. Children will receive a commemorative bookmark at various locations, and be able to gather special stickers for their bookmark at participating retailers. Once children collect five stickers, they can redeem the bookmark for a special treat at Lorenzo’s Bakery or McFarland’s Candies.

A yard sale, benefitting the Heifer Project, will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Frostburg United Methodist Church, and from 7:30 to 8 p.m., holiday caroling will be provided by The Potter’s Place in the courtyard of St. Michael’s Church.

Throughout the day, the sidewalks of Frostburg will feature wandering carolers, musicians, and elves. Hot cocoa and cider will be available at several locations. From 1 to 4 p.m., free carriage rides will be leaving from Armstrong Insurance on Water Street (across from City Place).

The celebration wraps up with two special events — at 6:30 p.m., a holiday program will be presented at City Place, with a tree lighting ceremony, musical programs, cookies, cocoa and a visit from St. Nick. At 8 p.m., the Palace Theatre will host a one-time showing of the classic film, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Tickets may be purchased in advance at Main Street Books and the Children’s Literature Centre at FSU. For more information, call (301) 687-3133.

Parking is free throughout the day and evening.

The deadline for placing logos or artwork for the Storybook Holiday placemats and brochures is Wednesday. Sponsors are asked to send forms to FrostburgFirst. All artwork should be sent directly to clc@frostburg.edu.