Christmas in ARC plans tree lighting event

ARCADIA — Arcadia will hold its first Christmas in ARC tree lighting event, including a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, a family holiday movie and a bonfire from 4-8 p.m. Sunday at the Arcadia Community Park. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive on a Washington Township fire truck at 5:45 p.m. to assist with the ceremonial lighting of the city's 30-foot tall Christmas trees at 6 p.m. The couple will visit with children throughout the event. "The community seems to be very excited for this event and we are so thankful to be able to put it on with the support of businesses and organizations throughout the Arcadia area," said Ruthie Tong, community coordinator for ARC Heart & Soul. Christmas in the ARC will also turn the community park into a winter wonderland. The village of Arcadia is gifting the manpower to hang the 7,500 lights in two 30-foot pine trees at the park, and the Arcadia Lions Club is allowing use of the park and covering the utility costs to run the lights. Many local businesses are making contributions to support the event. Visitors will find a bonfire with s'mores, a gingerbread house decorating contest, Santa's village with activities for kids and snowball fights. The movie "Elf" will be shown on the ball field. Local artist/author Samantha Gonzales will sign her new coloring book. A community choir comprised of local churches and school groups will sing Christmas carols. Food will be available to purchase from Shelly's Luncheonette and Not Your Mama's Grilled Cheese, plus beverages from Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck. Christmas in the ARC is a free event and all are welcome to attend and enjoy the holiday festivities. In February 2023, Arcadia was named a Heart & Soul Community by the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation and was awarded grant funding to support community development efforts. The Heart & Soul initiative was created by the Orton Family Foundation.