Chris Umscheid
A young girl looks for an ornament on the Solon American Legion Auxiliary’s tree in the 2023 Christmas Tree Walk last Saturday at the United Methodist Church’s Family Life Center. A scavenger hunt had participants seeking patriotic ornaments throughout the many trees on display. FOR MORE PHOTOS, TURN TO PAGE 12A.
SOLON — A Solon tradition continued last Saturday (Dec. 3) as the annual Solon Christmas Tree Walk was held at the Solon United Methodist Church’s Family Life Center. The event began several years ago when Sandy Hanson and Duane McAtee organized a Christmas-themed event at Al Well’s Palmer House Stable in Solon.
“The Methodist Church men served soup and Church Burgers in the basement,” recalled Barb Kalm. The church was also having an event in the Fellowship Hall. It was decided to combine them and hold it in the Family Life Center, Kalm said, “and every year it’s grown a little bit more.”
The church in partnership with the Solon Parks and Recreation Dept./Solon Community Center, and the Solon Economic Development Group hosted this year’s event with the theme of a Christmas Kaleidoscope. In addition to trees decorated by Solon area businesses and organizations there was a craft show, which featured five more vendors than last year. Also, The Jolly Old Elf, Santa Clause himself (with Mrs. Claus) attended and listened to children’s Christmas wishes. Lunch was provided by church volunteers and a variety of cookies were baked on-site.
“People come from all over,” Kalm said, “And the most wonderful part is the fellowship.”