The annual “Lights on the River” celebration is scheduled in downtown Owego, N.Y. on Friday, Dec. 5., from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., showcasing an amazing variety of activities, entertainment, food and a fireworks show at 8 p.m. (Provided photo)
The annual “Lights on the River” celebration scheduled in downtown Owego, N.Y. on Friday, Dec. 5 will certainly put you in the Christmas spirit. There will be plenty of activities, entertainment and shopping, and of course, excellent food! The evening concludes with a fireworks show near the bridge at Draper Park starting at 8 p.m.
Most scheduled activities begin at 5 p.m., although as early as 4 p.m. children can send their letters to Santa at the Black Cat Gallery located at 190 Front St. More fun for kids, the Tioga Arts Council is hosting a free Gingerbread House Workshop at their 179 Front St. location from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. If interested, call (607) 687-0785 for pre-registration information. The Family Enrichment Network is also hosting children’s activities at 173 Front. St. in Owego.
Just a short distance from the main festivities, you won’t want to miss the O’Tannenbaum Christmas tree display at the Tioga County Museum located at 110 Front St. from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Gather near the Courthouse for a youth choir performance, just in time for the “Countdown for Christmas Lights” which will take place on the south side of the Courthouse Square. Santa Claus will flip the switch at 5:59 p.m., officially illuminating the village for the 2014 holiday season. Right after Santa lights up downtown, the Cruisin’ Car Buddies parade follows a route around Front, Church, Main and Lake Streets.
Be sure to bring the kids to see Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Elks Lodge until 8 p.m. Turn the corner onto Lake Street and stop to visit Santa’s live reindeer! Tioga County Tourism Director, Becca Maffei shared, “This is the first year for the reindeer, and an educational opportunity for everyone, too.”
It’s always fun to “get framed,” so be sure to look for mobile photo booths. Don’t miss the display of ice sculptures at the Gateway Deck on Front Street, and needle felting demonstration at Black Cat Gallery. Strolling musicians and entertainers will be on hand, including juggler Will Stafford, musician RJ Seiger and the Four of Hearts Quartet.
Other holiday music to keep your spirits bright is planned at Las Chicas Taqueria, Original Italian, and the Early Owego Antique Center. The Owego Free Academy Brass Quintet will be performing at The Goat Boy and the Purple Lightning Drumline and Brass will be at M&T Bank.
Several non-profit organizations and other groups will be at various locations serving up food to purchase for just about any craving. Hot cocoa and hot cider, donuts, a bake sale, hot soup, baked apples, a legendary barbeque at the Elks, mulled cider and tasty food at the VFW, plus several of your favorite restaurants will be open.
The Lights on the River event is hosted by the Historic Owego Marketplace. Follow them on Facebook at “Historic Owego Marketplace” or find them on the web at owegolovesshoppers.com.
You can view the entire schedule of events at lightsontheriver.com, or find the event on Facebook, “Lights on the River – Owego, NY”.
