Christmas time in Edom
By Nathan Straus News Reporter

The arts community of Edom is decking the halls in preparation for the annual Christmas Stroll in Edom. The event will begin Saturday afternoon, December 1, and will last past nightfall. The day begins the holiday season for Edom.

Katie Klier, chairman of the Christmas Stroll in Edom program, said the Christmas tree for the event used to be set up at the Edom Community Center.

"We're bringing it next to the historical museum, next to Mountain Magic," Klier said. Klier is also the owner of Mountain Magic.

The Christmas Stroll in Edom is a Christmas-themed art walk. Klier said the shops in Edom will all have an open house that day to show off their Christmas decorations, as well as their artwork.

Family activities begin at 5 pm.

Carolyn Hargrove, a member of the helping committee for the event, said the stroll is a revival and enhancement of what used to occur. There used to be a tree lighting on private property, but Hargrove said the citizens missed the tree being downtown, so it was moved for it to be lit in conjunction with the Christmas Stroll in Edom.

Hargrove also said the open houses are reminiscent of the Cookie Walk of the past, which had a similar function.

In addition to the decorations, the shops will also have free refreshments.

Klier said a program will be provided for the children.

"Gingerbread kits will be donated by the Edom Bakery for kids to make their own gingerbread houses," Klier said.

The kits will be free of charge.

Klier also said the Christmas Stroll in Edom will begin with an opening statement by Edom Mayor Barbara Crow, and a prayer will be said by local pastor Russell Hall. From there the shops will be open for decoration judging as well as curious passers-by. There will be caroling by the children and the Girl Scouts of America, and there will also be a Christmas story reading by the children.

At 5:30 pm the Christmas tree will be lit at the Edom Historical Society Museum. The Children's Christmas Chorus will sing soon after, and visitors will be able to hear the singing voices of the group's 4th through 12th grade children.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive on top of a fire engine, and kids can tell Santa their Christmas wish and have photos taken.

Van High School's Journalism group will take pictures.

For sale at the stroll will be the start of a series of Christmas in Edom tree ornaments, Hargrove said. Every year ornaments will be released with the words "Edom Christmas" and the year on them. Everything at the event except the pictures, purchased art and ornaments will be free. Ornaments will be sold by the Edom Area Chamber of Commerce.

"We hope it will be enjoyed by the whole town and the surrounding community," Hargrove said.