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'TIS THE SEASON for Olde Fashioned Christmas at Mill
By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK
YOUNGSTOWN
Lightly falling snow, handmade gifts and chestnuts roasting on an open fire added up to an old-fashioned Christmas.
Olde Fashioned Christmas at the Mill, which opened Saturday at Lanterman’s Mill in Mill Creek Metroparks, showcased handmade crafts, musical entertainment and demonstrations of wool-spinning, woodcarving and more.
Trevous Stineman of Cortland participated as a vendor for the second year.
“I think it’s great,” he said. “A lot of our heritage is based on these ideals right here. Mine and everyone else’s. It’s where we came from.”
Stineman makes handmade birdhouses, snowmen and other items from old pallets, barn siding and crates.
“I’m really pleased with the people who have come out today, despite the weather,” he said. “I’ve answered a lot of questions. There are a lot of people who have the same interests, whether it’s the birds or the crafts.
That’s exciting. It kind of gives you that ‘hey, I know a little something’ [feeling]. Maybe not much, but I know a little.”
The event starts the Christmas season for the Reed family.
“It’s part of the Christmas tradition,” Traudi Reed of Canfield said. She attended Saturday with her daughter, Vicki Reed, and Vicki’s daughters, Halina and Taryn Michener, all of Cleveland.
Halina, 7, and Taryn, 4, posed for photos with Santa and enjoyed the candy canes his elf gave them.
It was the first time the girls saw Santa this year.
The family enjoys the atmosphere of the event, Traudi said.
The mill was decorated with poinsettias, wreaths, pine garlands, red bows and a large Christmas tree.
“I think it’s nice to see all the handmade crafts they have,” Vicki said.
They often purchase ornaments, cards and other crafts when they attend, she added.
Vendors offered a variety of handmade products, including candles, painted rocks, photographs and holiday decorations.
Participants could enjoy a snack of candy apples, caramel apples, popcorn, hot dogs, hot chocolate and other treats.
Katilyn Daff and Bill Green of Hubbard attend regularly.
“We’re enjoying the festivities, the Christmas season. It’s a tradition to come out here every year,” Green said. “I love the atmosphere. I like seeing all the crafts, hearing the music.”
The event’s festive, Daff said.
“Especially since it’s snowing out today,” she added.
They also like that the vendors offer handmade products.
“That’s probably our favorite part about it,” Daff said.
Both own cats, and frequently find toys for them at the event. They also purchase gifts.
“We’ll find ornaments to give to people, little scent bags, anything we can find that we think will be a good Christmas gift,” Green said.
The event continues from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today.