Four women with apron's serving food
Christmas Classic returns to St. Peter's high school on Sunday Dec. 7. (Richland Source file photo) Credit: Richland Source file photo

MANSFIELD — One of St. Peter’s most cherished holiday traditions returns on Sunday, Dec. 7, when the 39th annual Christmas Classic fills the halls with music, baked goods and festive family activities.

Free and open to the public, the event runs from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s High School, 104 West First Street. It brings together student performances, community baking traditions and family-friendly holiday fun.

One of Ohio’s largest community bake sales

Kelly Baker, Spartan Family Association president and St. Peter’s kindergarten teacher, said the Christmas Classic has grown into one of Ohio’s biggest bake sales, supported each year by volunteers, families and alumni.

“This is a unique event where members of the school and church come together to create memories that last a lifetime,” Baker said. “Whether it’s singing, dancing or baking, everyone takes part and has fun.”

Dozens of volunteers — affectionately known as “elves” — have spent time preparing numerous items. Along with the well-known poticas and kiffels, tables will be filled with brownies, cutout cookies, chocolate pretzels, rum cakes, chocolate chip cookies and treats donated by the wider St. Peter’s community.

Volunteers are invited to help with potica baking on Dec. 6, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and butter ring baking will start at 8 a.m. on Dec. 7.

Bake sale coordinator Ann Brown said the potica and kiffel tradition traces back to her Polish grandmother. Years ago, Brown baked them for an office open house, where they quickly became a community favorite.

“People love them because they’re lighter than strudel and not overly sweet,” Brown said. “And they don’t compete with local bakeries, since most don’t make them.”

More than just a bake sale

Throughout the afternoon, the Christmas Classic also doubles as St. Peter’s annual Christmas concert series in the Bob Frye Auditorium. Performances will feature:

  • Preschool–5th grade mini-singers
  • A show-choir-style ensemble of 1st–5th graders
  • Middle and high school choir and band programs

“I usually don’t get into the Christmas spirit until the day of the Christmas Classic because I’m always so busy preparing,” Brown said. “Once I see the children performing and how happy everyone is, that’s when I’m ready for the holidays.”

Families can visit the cafeteria to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, stop by Santa’s Secret Workshop in Room 47 for children’s holiday shopping, enjoy lunch served by the Spartan Cheerleaders and browse raffle baskets offered by St. Peter’s athletic boosters.

Supporting students through the season

The Christmas Classic is the largest annual fundraiser for the Spartan Family Association (SFA), with proceeds reinvested directly into St. Peter’s programs.

Baker said SFA funding supports classroom needs, field trips, professional development, teacher appreciation and upgrades that enhance the student experience.

“It’s a lovely event that everyone can feel good about and take part in,” Baker said. “My favorite part is seeing it all come together — the kids singing, families laughing, volunteers proudly selling the baked goods they made.

“Everyone comes together to support our students and school.”

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