Back by popular demand, an iceless skating rink will be set up for free use Saturday night.
The attraction, which came to Cambridge City last year, returns with traditional favorites and a few new ones during the town’s annual Winter Wonderland celebration.
Area residents are invited to browse the festive downtown shops, eateries, vendors, food trucks and special events along and near U.S. 40 between 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25.
Cambridge City Chamber of Commerce organizes the luminaria-filled wonderland with help from sponsors including General Mills/Blue Buffalo, Johns Manville, SugarCreek and Cambridge City Christian Church.
Iceless skating will take place at Cambridge City Christian Church’s parking lot, accessible from the 100 block of South Foote Street.
Santa will arrive at 6 p.m. on a fire truck for the tree lighting at Bicentennial Park on the corner of South Foote and U.S. 40. Afterward, he’ll visit with children at the park’s gazebo throughout the evening. Special Request DJ Charlie Bertsch’s music will add to the ambiance.
Three therapy dogs will greet guests. Tilly and Griffy, along with gifts for young visitors, can be found at Kids at Heart Publishing, 219 W. Main St. Fellow therapy canine Team Kucy will be at The Old Tin Roof Antiques, 114 W. Main St., where Life Connections Church will give away hats, gloves and other items.
Several annual favorites will return, such as carriage rides to view Christmas lights at Creitz Park. Cambridge City Volunteer Fire Department installs the plentiful elaborate colorful scenes that can be viewed on Friday and Saturday nights through December. Carriage rides are $3 for adults and $2 for children.
In the first and 100 blocks of West Main, guests can find s’mores bars outside National Road Antique Mall and Roses & Rainbows and hot chocolate in the lobby of MediCenter Pharmacy.
First United Methodist Church will offer soup, sandwiches, dessert and drinks for a donation from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at 238 W. Main St.
The Red Chandelier, 1 W. Main St., will offer ornaments for kids while supplies last.
Several creative efforts can be found inside The Archive, 33 W. Main St. Guests can browse trees decorated by local businesses and add their bid. In addition, face painting is offered for $5 or $10. And, Lincoln High School cheerleaders are organizing a bake sale and ornament making.
Lincoln students also will offer hot chocolate and tours of Dr. James Bertsch’s former office at 1 E. Church St. from 5-7 p.m. and share their thoughts for new uses for the three floors. LHS’ Golden Eagle Industries welcomes community ideas for the new partnership with Western Wayne Heritage.
Kids also are invited to enjoy a Christmas treat at Building 125 (125 W. Main St.) and crafts and refreshments at National Road Antique Mall.
If you go
- What: Cambridge City Winter Wonderland
- When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25
- Where: Along and near U.S. 40, downtown Cambridge City
- Cost: Admission and most activities are free. Bring cash for carriage rides, face painting, etc.
- Info: 765-541-8936 or www.cambridgecityindiana.org
A version of this article appeared in the November 22 2023 print edition of the Western Wayne News.