Weekend Brings Holiday Extravaganza to French Creek District

For the past 31 years, the first weekend in December has been a big one in Avon.

That’s when the takes over the French Creek District.

“We typically have about two or three thousand people come out” throughout the weekend, said Lori Miles, owner of and . “It’s kind of a tradition, it’s a lot of fun, and we’re really looking forward to it.”

This year, the walk is Friday, Dec. 2, through Sunday, Dec. 4, and all members of the French Creek District Merchant’s Association will be participating, offering in-store specials, refreshments, door prizes and entertainment in festively-decorated storefronts throughout downtown Avon.

But what’s a holiday celebration without Santa Claus lighting the tree?

The actual lighting will take place at 5:30 p.m., with the parade from the to French Creek Gazebo at the intersection of Stoney Ridge and Detroit Roads at 5 p.m.

After the lighting, Santa will cross the street to the newly-renovated  to welcome youngsters’ Christmas wishes. There will also be a model train display run by the Rail Blazers from 2 to 8 p.m., said Fran Burik, president of the French Creek Development Association.

“We’re expecting between 200 and 300 kids,” Burik said. “We had to move into a bigger building this year because it was getting wall-to-wall in the old building.”

This year, Miles said there’s a new addition to the holiday weekend extravaganza on Friday, from 6 to 9 p.m., that is specifically for adults.

“This year we’re putting on a wine walk, where for $10, people can sample select wines paired with appetizers at 11 participating merchants,” she said. “We’re trying to give the adults an evening, because Saturday is focused towards the kids.”

The Winter Wine Walk will take place Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance or the day of the event at any of the 11 participating mechants: , , , , , , , , , and