Vicki Wright stands in front of a new toy store photo prop at the Jane Ross Reeves Octagon House. Wright is a tree designer and room sponsor of the house’s exhibits.
Submitted photo
SHIRLEY – Quaint Christmas charm returns to Shirley in December with the hometown holiday favorites in the community that straddles the Hancock/Henry county line.
Shirley Christmas Walk is coming up from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 2, and the 24th annual Christmas Tree Walk will take place the first two weekends of the month at Shirley’s Octagon House.
While at one point held on separate weekends, the Shirley Christmas Walk now coincides with the first weekend of the house’s Christmas Tree Walk as a way to coordinate efforts of holiday cheer.
Theresa Ebbert, who organizes the Shirley Christmas Walk, said she loves seeing all the lights and community spirit.
“My favorite part of the event is seeing the town decked out with all the holiday decorations and visiting with all the festival-goers,” said Ebbert, a member of Shirley Visionaries. “It is a great kick-off to this wonderful time of year.”
The walk features a chili supper, vendors, carriage rides, door prizes, tree lighting and ringing bells to welcome the arrival of Santa. Just head to the fire department to pick up a complimentary bell.
The drive-through light at Shirley Park will open at the end of November, and this year Shirley Visionaries are asking area businesses, organizations and families to also create a lighted holiday display in the park.
Festive photo opportunities are available throughout downtown. Carriage rides are available through the Carrinder Family. A special holiday mailbox will be available; all letters to Santa will be answered. The fire station will even host a kids gift wrapping contest that evening.
Grab a bowl of chili and /or hot dog for $5; all proceeds help the Visionaries with their annual festivals. The Shirley Visionaries’ goal is to bring family-friendly events to the community to promote the town of Shirley.
The 24th Annual Christmas Tree Walk at the Octagon House takes place from 4-8 p.m. Dec. 1-2; and Dec. 8-9.
The Jane Ross Reeves Octagon House, built in 1879 with a two-story octagon shape and 16 rooms, is located at 400 S. Railroad St., Shirley.
Tours of the home and 25 decorated trees are free, while food is sold on site to raise money for the restoration and upkeep of the home. The first weekend features chicken and noodles, dessert and drink for $12; the second weekend is soup, sandwich, dessert and drink for $10.
Cheryl Wright said one of her favorite trees this year is a majestic snowman tree decorated by the Shirley Friends Church. The Hancock County Master Gardeners always do a must-see tree as well, she said.
“New this year, we have an old toy store backdrop you can get your picture taken in front of,” she said. “We will this year have homemade brittle and fudge for sale. All proceeds go for upkeep of the house. Please come join us for the farmhouse magic.”
