Families came bundled up in scarves, mittens and hats to celebrate New Albany’s 2008 Holiday Fest.
The annual festival — which includes performances by local children and an appearance by the big man himself, Santa — has been going on for many years and has become a tradition for several families.
“To us, it’s the beginning of Christmas,” said Angie Sams, 48, as she sat with her family waiting for the entertainment to begin Saturday afternoon.
Sams started coming after she had her first child, 31 years ago.
For others, this is a newer tradition, such as Judy Sauerheber, who came with her family for the second year.
“It’s fun for the kids and it’s something for them to do to get out of the house,” she said.
“It’s just hanging out and having fun with family and friends,” 11-year-old Kathryne Tillett said.
“[I come for] the eating. And the music. The music is good, too. And the light up part, too,” 75-year-old Dale Haws said as he tasted some chili in the cook-off competition. “And I still believe in Santa Claus.”
Though Santa, and some other traditions, comes every year, there was something different this year than before, said Stefanie Griffith, who chaired a committee that oversaw planning of the event for Develop New Albany. The organization sponsored the event in conjunction with the city and downtown merchants.
“This year, we’re trying to take it throughout downtown,” she said, adding that before the event had been on one location.
This year the festival had four venue locations, in addition to the main stage, and all had entertainment. Downtown businesses also opened their doors, many offering freebies such as hot cider, crayons, cookies and more.
Last year, she said about 500 to 600 people came. She’s hoping that by spreading the festival out that number will exceed 1,000, though the final tally wasn’t ready by press time.
“It’s great to see New Albany open up and just to get the community down and get New Albany back to what it used to be, like a town,” Griffith said.
About Holiday Fest
• New Albany’s 2008 Holiday Fest is sponsored by Develop New Albany in conjunction with the city and downtown merchants.
• Events included a chili cook-off, carriage rides, performances by children’s choirs and more.
• Scribner House, Carnegie Center for Art and History and the Floyd County Historical Society’s Padgett Museum offered free tours. People also could take a holiday tour of Culbertson Mansion for $1.
• Santa Claus was at the YMCA of Southern Indiana to take pictures with children.
• Santa also flipped the switch to light Pearl and Spring streets later in the evening.
Floyd County
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Light up, New Albany! Families come out to celebrate Holiday Fest
Santa flips switch at annual event
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