Stephens City’s second annual Hometown Christmas will be held Saturday, November 30th

STEPHENS CITY, VA — Event Coordinator Jacquetta Owen says November’s holiday festivities don’t have to end with Thanksgiving dinner.

Stephens City is hosting the second annual Hometown Christmas event from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday, November 30th, along our historic Main Street. Hometown Christmas is planning to use Stephen City’s long-established community spirit and enthusiasm to get behind this wonderful event. The town is pulling out all the stops and event organizers and volunteers believe visitors will enjoy the arts, crafts and food while strolling downtown exploring what our local businesses have to offer.

The event will feature a craft fair, bake sale, music, house tours, a secret Santa shop, a Warming Tree and an appearance from Santa Claus.

To entice people to visit Stephens City’s small businesses on Shop Small Saturday, there will be a business scavenger hunt with prizes. Participants will be given cards that must be checked off by business owners to ensure that participants stopped by their store.

Businesses taking part in the scavenger hunt include Capon Valley Bank, Sophia’s Thrift Shop, Granny’s Restaurant, The Flower Center, The Cloth Peddler, Stephens City Outlet Discount Store, Ed’s Heads Hair Salon, Clem’s Garage, Dragon Fire Comics, Newtown Music Center, High Point Restaurant, Lantz’s Pharmacy and Classics on Main Antiques. Each business will offer specials during the scavenger hunt.

Scavenger hunt cards are available at any of the participating businesses and may be picked up starting Monday, Nov 25th, although they can only be filled out on Nov 30th. Once the cards have been filled out, they can be deposited in a box at Lantz’s Pharmacy, 5015 Main Street. Two lucky winner cards will be drawn for a $25 gift card.

Hometown Christmas Event Coodinator Jacquetta Owen

Jacquetta Owen says Hometown Christmas is a terrific approach in getting people to recognize the benefits of Stephens City’s small town ambiance. Despite inclement weather, last year’s inaugural event was a success with lots of folks going home with unique gifts from the craft show and the experience of visiting newfound businesses. This year, the event expands to include a bake sale and a special shop for kids to purchase gifts for their families.

Other events include:

• Mayor Mike Diaz will be directing a free historic house walking tour at 11 am, starting at The Newtown History Center at 5408 Main Street. Those interested must check in at The History Center 20 minutes before tour time.
• A Warming Tree at Capon Valley Bank where newly donated mittens, gloves, scarves and hats can be clipped to a Christmas tree. The Tree supports Congregational Community Action Project (CCAP).
• A gingerbread house contest, with categories for children 11 and under and one for ages 12 and up. Entries can be brought in starting Nov. 25th but must be in by 5 pm Friday, Nov. 29. The houses must be made of edible ingredients and brought to Clem’s Garage, 5170 Main Street. An application can be picked up at the Stephens City Town Office. Judging will take place Friday night and the houses will remain on display through Hometown Christmas. $25 gift cards will be awarded to top entries.
• A Hallelujah Chorus sing-along at Stephens City United Methodist Church (SCUMC) in the sanctuary at 1 pm directed by Donna Greene and accompanied by David Renner.
• Greeting Cards will be made available for anyone wanting to send an anonymous “Thank-A-Veteran” greeting to military personnel receiving medical services in Martinsburg. A volunteer will take greeting cards to the Martinsburg VA Center on December 15th. The cards will be located at the Stephens City Town Office, Capon Valley Bank and SCUMC.
• A Secret Santa shopping area at SCUMC from 10 am to 2 pm, where children of any age can purchase gifts for friends and family for $1 to $5 (the gifts will be wrapped and tagged by Little Elf).
• A Bake Sale at SCUMC to support the youth mission trip next summer.
• Shenandoah Valley Chorus performs at 2 pm in the SCUMC sanctuary.
• A Stephens City Volunteer Fire & Rescue Santa will be available for children to share their Christmas lists at the Newtown Commons from 2 – 4 pm, then after a break, will return on a fire truck to light the tree at 6 pm. The Town Office will provide hot chocolate and cookies. Camp of Faith Church in Stephens City will sing Christmas carols.
• A craft fair will take place at Trinity Lutheran Church on the corner of Main and Fairfax streets. There will be signs to direct shoppers.

For more information, contact Stellar Seven over 70 Award winner and Hometown Christmas Event Coordinator Jacquetta Owen at jacquettaowen@gmail.com.

Note: Stephens City is a remarkable community because Main Street has retained its small-town character over two centuries of progress and expansion. Development and growth in Stephens City has been small-scaled and well-managed. As a result, the town has a very high degree of historical integrity that will continue to be prominently featured through ongoing renewal and revitalization.