The Greater Cornwall Chamber of Commerce’s Winter Extravaganza has grown each of the last four years. The fourth annual event is this Sunday and Chamber president Joseph Dvash expects more than 1,000 people to attend. He believes Main Street’s Norman Rockwell feel is the reason why it’s become so popular.
Main Street will once again be closed, from Chadeayne Circle to Willow Avenue, to accommodate two horse drawn carriages. One-way rides will be offered between 3 and 4:45 p.m.
Those who choose to walk can stop to admire the holiday decorations shop owners have on display. From wooden cutouts; Christmas trees adorned with ribbons, beads, and lights; to evergreen wreaths and garland, Main Street will look like a winter wonderland.
Business owners will be offering refreshments to visitors such as hot cocoa, chili, or even the opportunity to roast marshmallows.
Aside from the chatter and the clip-clopping of horse shoes on pavement, the street will be filled with the sound of the Merry Minstrels who will be singing carols by Bridge Street, the home of Santa Land.
Santa Claus will be spending the afternoon posing for photos before he’s whisked away, at 4:45 p.m., by horse and carriage to bear witness to the tree lighting ceremony.
From 5 to 5:45 p.m., attendees will be entertained by the Merry Minstrels, as well as the Cornwall Middle School Band. Prior to the tree lighting, Tami Mazzarelli will sing an original song titled “Who Believes.”
Assigned the task of flipping the switch to illuminate the tree are the three principals of Devitt’s Nursery: Chris Fitch, Joe Gizzarelli, and Eben York. They were chosen because of their contribution to the community, especially during the Fall Festival.
At 5:45 p.m., all are invited to Highland Engine Company’s firehouse for refreshments and a meet and greet with Santa.
As always, the Winter Extravaganza is free to all who attend.
Sunday Parking: To accommodate the Dec. 3 Holiday Festival, there will be no parking from 2 to 6 p.m. on either side of Main Street from the circle to Willow Avenue.