ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – The U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Association’s annual Christmas in the Village began on Friday at the U.P. State Fairgrounds.
“It’s the Steam and Gas Engine Association’s chance to give back to the community a little bit,” said Association President Jim Yoder. “During the fair and our show, we’re keeping our organization afloat, where this way, everybody gets a chance to come and see the lights, see Santa. After dark when the lights show up and the fires are going good, it’s a neat place to see.”
Guests can explore the Antique Village and shop for unique Christmas presents at each of the shops.
“[They have] knitted and crocheted items made out of alpaca wool, jams and jellies, and some homemade crafts,” Yoder said. “The Cook Shack’s open. The Ice Cream Shop is now the Cocoa and Cookie Shop. You’ve got a little bit of everything.”
Approximately 200 children got to leave the classroom to enjoy the first day of Christmas in the Village together.
“We’re having a field trip at the fairgrounds,” said Lemmer Elementary second grader Veda. “With my friends, I can play and we can do Christmasy things.”
“I made a s’more and looked at hats and gloves and stuff,” classmate Zoe said.
However, Christmas in the Village is more than just a fun time. The only cost to attend is a donation of a non-perishable food item, which will be donated to a local pantry.
“That’s always been the admission for Christmas in the Village,” Yoder said. “They tend to get donations of the perishable type goods that are expiring from the stores, so when they get the non-perishable stuff, it kind of helps them out a little bit too.”
Christmas in the Village continues on Saturday, December 2, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Click here for more information.
