GALION, Ohio — It was a great day to “come home to Galion” Saturday.
The seventh annual Come Home to Galion event drew several people to the city, where an array of activities were occurring.
Shawna Layland, event chairperson, was pleased with how the event was come together, noting the nice weather. “We were very blessed to have that,” she said.
She listed some of the many activities that visitors could enjoy, including carriage and wagon rides, Brownella Cottage tours, Gill House tours, ice sculpting, a live “Frozen” performance at the Gill Pageant, a parade and the Christmas tree lighting.
“There’s something for everybody,” she said.
One of the new features this year was a live Nativity scene.
“I took up the responsibility of organizing a live Nativity,” said Mendy Sellman of Rus-Men Farms.
Not long after the festivities had begun, Sellman said, “so far it’s going awesome.”
Those who participated in the Nativity scene included Rebecca Farson as Mary; Colin Bowser as Joseph; JoAnn Hartline, Phil Harris and Locklan Bowser as shepherds; Les Poast as the innkeeper; and Rick Maddox, Rick Hartline and Rob Farson as the three wise men.
The donkey, Candace, was provided by Phil Fike of Tyro.
Jon and Jennifer Lantz of Galion said they like how the event offers many activities for children. They brought their granddaughter, Amira, who said she enjoyed going on the carriage ride and petting the donkey at the live Nativity scene.
Galion residents Adam and Sarah Lehman brought their children, Rolf and Harper, to the event. They said they like to come every year and especially enjoy the parade.
Adam added that he appreciates the way the event involves so many different people and organizations in the community.
That collaboration among various community members is what helps make the event a success, Layland indicated. “It’s a bunch of organizations coming together…It’s not put on one person,” she said.
