CURWENSVILLE – Once again, the merchants and civic organizations of Curwensville are gearing up for Home for the Holidays.
The annual event has kicked off the holiday season for 17 years, culminating on Saturday with the arrival of Santa Claus.
This year’s event takes place Nov. 7-9 throughout downtown Curwensville as well as other areas of town.
Merchants in the Curwensville area will be holding special sales throughout the three days, and once again many will be participating in the annual scavenger hunt.
You can pick up your stamp sheet at the Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home on State Street, or download and print a copy from the Curwensville Merchants Association Web site.
There are 24 stops on the scavenger hunt, with 24 opportunities to win gift certificates to area merchants.
A list of participating merchants and their sales, specials, open houses and contests this year can also be downloaded and printed from the Web site.
The first special event is that Curwensville United Methodist Church will have soup and sandwiches for sale both Thursday and Friday, Nov. 7-8, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The church will also be holding a craft bazaar from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day.
Thursday night, Bouquets by Jill and Curwensville Florist will be holding a Wine and Design with Local Florists. At 5 p.m. and again at 6 p.m., you can design your flower container at Bouquets by Jill, then take it to Curwensville Florist to arrange your flowers. At each shop, you can sample a glass of local wine.
The cost is $30 per person and there are limited spaces. The florists will provide containers, foam, flowers and greenery; you only have to provide a pair of scissors and your imagination. Call Curwensville Florist for more information and to make reservations.
On Friday evening, Nov. 8, the popular Knights of Columbus Wine Walk will be held throughout the downtown.
You can pick up your tickets early from participating merchants or the K of C for $20, or pay $25 at the door at St. Timothy’s social hall that night.
The wine walk starts at 5 p.m. and lasts until 8 p.m., with participating merchants providing samples of local wine as well as appetizers and specials.
If you are looking for something for your children to do, or even a family activity, you can check out Curwensville Alliance Church on Susquehanna Avenue from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The model train displays are back this year throughout the church, along with Christmas villages, unique nativity scenes and more.
The church will also be holding an Arctic Adventure for children, including activities, crafts and snacks.
Curwensville Alliance Church will also be showing the displays and having the Arctic Adventure on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Activities ramp up on Saturday when the entire downtown will be buzzing. There will be local artisans displaying their talents and members of Clearfield Arts Studio Theatre Inc. doing performances.
Girl Scouts will be collecting items for the Curwensville Food Pantry at Hidden Star Farms, from 10 a.m. -2 p.m., and the Rescue Hose & Ladder Co. will be holding a Stuff the Truck event.
You can bring a new, unwrapped toy to the firehouse between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and help fill an ambulance for children in need in Clearfield County.
There will be two breakfasts for you to choose from. For families with children who dream of meeting Santa, St. Timothy Religious Education will be holding a Breakfast with Santa, beginning at 9 a.m., with breakfast served from 9:30 – 11 a.m. Paid reservations are required by calling 814-236-3350.
The Curwensville Golden Tide Football Club will have a pancake and sausage breakfast and soup sale from 6 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the high school cafeteria.
Meanwhile, at the Community Center from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Curwensville Women’s Club will hold a craft show.
There will also be special events celebrating the dedication and courage of local veterans, beginning with a breakfast, continuing with the parade and also a special ceremony at the Doughboy Monument after the parade.
The big event, of course, is the official arrival of Santa Claus to Curwensville. Held on State Street at noon, anyone who visits Santa after the parade will receive a free treat from the Jolly Old Elf.
Afterwards, at 1 p.m., the Curwensville Police Department will be at The Stuff Store giving families fingerprinting packets for their children.
Keep an eye on the Curwensville Merchants Association Web site and also their Facebook page for last-minute announcements.