LIGHT UP LOCKPORT for submission to LOCKPORT STAR

I recently moved back to Lockport after being away for over forty years.  I have been enjoying getting to know Lockport again by exploring the area and  going to community events.  When I read about LIGHT UP LOCKPORT, I decided to go.  This annual event was held in DOWNTOWN LOCKPORT on Saturday, November 28th.   I had a few free hours in the afternoon and I asked a friend to accompany me.

The events started early in the morning with breakfast at the Cornerstone Arena and continued all day long! After the evening parade and tree lighting at the Palace Theatre, the final event was the movie POLAR EXPRESS at the Palace Theatre. In between, there were a multitude of activities to choose from.

My friend and I enjoyed a free slice of pizza at PAPA LEO'S.  Thank you Papa Leo's for being so well organized and generous. The slices were delicious!

We also went to WINDSOR VILLAGE.  This former flower shop is now a gift shop (GrassRoots Mercantile) offering many locally made items. There is so much to choose from!   The shop was decorated for Christmas and they offered refreshments as well as free tours of THE SPROUT 1825 room.  This attraction is a place where children and adults can take a step back into the past and experience life on the Erie Canal in 1825, which was the year the canal opened.

WINDSOR VILLAGE is a "work in progress" as the owners have lot of plans for new additions in the future.  

At the other end of Main Street, the Emmanuel Methodist Church had a wonderful display of nativities.

While browsing and viewing the manger scenes, participants enjoyed cookies and cider and the warmth of a fireplace.

 Christmas carolers sang familiar songs and I could not resist singing along.

At the WAREHOUSE, I purchased a few Christmas gifts and was given this great bag

and was reminded of all the great shopping opportunities Lockport offers in the form of small businesses. Have you heard about LOCKPORT HOLIDAY BINGO?  When I  made my purchase at THE WAREHOUSE, I was given this Bingo Card:

We have until December 31st to visit small businesses in Lockport and complete a  BINGO on one of these cards and then  turn it in at The PALACE THEATRE Box Office.  The grand prize is a $100 gift certificate to a Lockport restaurant and four tickets to the live performance of Mary Poppins.  So, pick up your card and get started!  This is a good opportunity to meet local shop owners and you might find a unique gift or two at one or more of the small shops .

The tasting room at The FLIGHT OF FIVE WINERY (in Old City Hall on Pine Street) offered samples of their seasonal mulled wine
and cider in a warm, relaxed atmosphere  
as well as more shopping opportunities.  Stop by someday and check out the old tin ceiling in the tasting room and take some time to look at the historical photographs in the area outside the tasting room.   The building was built in l864 and purchased by Birdsill Holly in l884,    In l893 the building was purchased by the City of Lockport.  An addition was put on which housed the courtroom.  There is so much history in this magnificent building which is just steps away from the Erie Canal and the famous Flight of Five.

LIGHT UP LOCKPORT  offered  something for everyone! Families had the opportunity to see two popular movies at the PALACE THEATER. Kids got to see Santa Claus at the PALACE and I heard that he gave out presents. History buffs were able to take inside tours (led by EXPLORE BUFFALO) of  some of Lockport's historic homes.  Christmas shoppers had opportunities to shop at THE WAREHOUSE, The Old Post Office (wreath sale), SCIRTO'S JEWELERS, GOULD'S FLOWERS,  BLING!, THE ART and SOUL  GIFT SHOP at the Market Street Art Studios and many more places. There were horse and carriage rides and children could do crafts at the Lockport Library.  Those wanting more health related activities could take a ZUMBA class at Curves and get their eyes screened by the LIONS CLUB at the Cornerstone Arena. Food was offered at various places including a new diner on West Main Street: BIG BRIDGE DINER. There were a lot more activities, too many to list here. Many of them were free.

The entire day was a wonderful opportunity for families to have fun together and get a dose of the holiday spirit. I plan to allow myself more time next year to enjoy this event.

by: Carolyn Simmons