GALION, Ohio — Saturday’s events for the seventh annual Come Home to Galion are all on schedule, including the unveiling of the newly renovated Santa House, said event chairperson Shawna Layland.
“We were painting the inside and out,” said Layland Monday morning. “Brush and Palette will be decorating it and we’re trying to get it (the house) there by Tuesday morning.”
“Since we used oil paint, we couldn’t put it outside until it dried.”
According to Layland, the Santa House will be transported to the square either by Layland herself or by the “white truck.”
Last week, Richland Source published a satirical article that referenced a white truck “stealing” the Santa House from Galion Electric’s premises.
“Chief (Phil) Jackson was driving the white truck,” Layland said with a laugh.
The newly painted house was being stored at Robison Tree Service’s garage on Kroft Street in Galion since Tuesday of last week, said owner Bill Robison.
“They were so gracious to allow us to store it there — I want to give a shoutout to them,” said Layland.
The Christmas tree was scheduled to be transported to the square on Monday, but Layland said it will likely be transported and placed on Tuesday.
Come Home to Galion is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5 from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Holiday oriented events will take place throughout the city, including carriage rides, ice sculpting on the square, Brownella House tours, a live nativity scene, Gill House tours and a live “Frozen” performance at the Gill Pageant.
“We’re trying to accomplish a Hallmark movie feel,” said Layland. “We’re a small town, we want people to come home, to come home to Galion, to see family for Christmas.”
Layland said the Come Home to Galion event started small and has grown into something that keeps growing each year.
“We had three people when we started,” she said.
“This is one thing that shows the spirit of Christmas. The spirit is what this is all about,” said Layland.
Events will conclude with a parade starting off at 4:30 p.m. from Jefferson Street, ending on Columbus Street.
Come Home to Galion volunteer Brian Treisch said around 20 businesses and organizations have signed up for the parade, a record number. He expects more to sign up by Dec. 5.
Businesses or organizations interested in signing up for the parade are able to do so by emailing galionholidayparade@gmail.com or by calling 419-569-9032. There is no application deadline, said Layland.
Following the parade is the ceremonial Christmas Tree Lighting at 5:15 p.m. And to conclude the festivities, a ribbon cutting ceremony will unveil the newly renovated Santa House.
Volunteer Joe Kleinecht said he is looking forward to seeing people he hasn’t seen in a while and has enjoyed working with others to get the job done.
“It (Come Home to Galion) signifies the importance of family in a small community. It’s really what makes small communities special. You get people working together and their guards are down, that’s what it takes,” said Kleinecht.
For details regarding the individual events for Come Home to Galion, visit their Facebook page or galionparades.com.
