By Jessica Schultz
“It came without ribbons; it came without tags. It came without packages, boxes, or bags.” — The Grinch. This famous line is the perfect representation of a great upcoming event that brings Dr. Seuss to Chautauqua in the best way. The Chautauqua Safety Village, located at 2695 Route 394 in Ashville, NY invites everyone to “Christmas in Whoville” on Wednesday, December 14th from 5-7:30. (General public admission, members can get in at 4:30pm and admissions close at 7pm.)
The Villager had the opportunity to speak with Executive Director Jessica Dayton about the event and what it had to offer.
The Villager (V): So, Christmas in Whoville, how did this event come to be?
Jessica (J): “The Town of Whoville at the Safety Village started as a way for the Safety Village to bring a family fun, interactive Christmas event to the community post Covid. We have the ideal space to bring the Whoville village to life.”
V: Is there a cost of admission, if yes how much?
J: “Yes, as a not-for-profit organization the Safety Village relies on event proceeds to continue providing vital life-saving prevention education to the young people of Chautauqua and surrounding counties. Admission is $6 a person, ages 2 and under are free. Safety Village Members are free and can fast pass the admission line. Once inside the gate all activities are included and food is available for purchase.”
V: You have a lot of interesting things going on at the event, could you share some of the details?
J: “Once inside the gates, families will be able to stroll through our decorated streets and stationary parade, visit with Santa, meet the Grinch and dare to enter his lair, decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus, visit the North Pole Observation Station, do a craft, play holiday games, spot Olaf and Elsa, complete a wintery scavenger hunt, listen to a story telling of How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss, and have an indoor snowball fight.”
V: Can you share some of the floats that can be seen at the Stationary Christmas Parade?
J: “Community organizations and individuals are welcome to sign up and create a stationary float. It’s a wonderful way to showcase your organization and spread some Christmassy cheer. We are also holding a building decorating contest this year. Check out our Facebook page or website for more information on both ways to get involved.”
V: What type of food will be available for purchase? Will there be beverages also?
J: “This year we have mac and cheese and goulash made by Sandee’s Bakery, a variety of fresh pies sold by the slice donated by Sandee’s Bakery and The Brindle Barn, popcorn, nachos, hot cocoa, coffee and other beverages.”
V: Does the safety village have any other plans for the rest of 2022 or looking ahead into 2023?
J: “The Safety village enjoys providing safe family fun events and activities. Check out our Facebook page as we announce events frequently. You can look forward to the Holly Jolly Christmas Camp on December 17th, 2022. Our 2023 events include Safety Hero Day Camp in February, the Easter Carnival in April, Community Safety Day in June, Outdoor movie nights from May-August, Spy Kids Day Camp in June, Summer Safety Open to the public days, CPR classes, Babysitter Trainings, Halloween Fun Fair in October, and Whoville 2023.”
V: Anything else you would like to add?
J: “We’d like to thank our 2022 Whoville Sponsor United Rentals Falconer and all of our event volunteers. The support of our community is amazing, and we couldn’t do it without you. If you would like to get involved or become a sponsor a 2023 event, contact our Events Coordinator, Lisa McLaughlin at lisa@chautauquasafetyvillage.com.”
Thank you, Jessica, for taking the time to speak with us and for sharing all this great info about the event. And a huge thank you to the whole CHQ Safety Village Team for hosting Whoville for everyone in our communities to visit and enjoy.