“This has a footprint and a testament to the community. It’s absolutely for the people and anyone who has a nostalgia for Christmas,” event organizer Greg Rogers said.
Music will start the event with a live DJ, followed by SantaCon fixture Arlo Larson at 4:30 p.m., Allison Road’s acoustic show at 5 p.m., the Patrick Dawson Trio at 6 p.m. and Jah Soul at 8 p.m..
Heavy rain prevented some planned outdoor activities in 2023, but Rogers is confident this year will see action on the outdoor Fire Side stage, where After Rain will play at 7 p.m. and Springfield USA will broadcast live throughout SantaCon.
Firepits will be active outdoors, and a heated tent will have a hot bar with a variety of beverages. Indoors, another new attraction will be bourbon and barrel-aged beer.
“These will be a great fit for the event,” Rogers said.
A SantaCon signature is the costume contests, which bring out creativity and holiday spirit. First-, second- and third-place prizes will be given in two areas: holiday-related outfit for anything except Santa, from elves to Cousin Eddie from the “National Lampoon’s Vacation” movies to the Grinch; the other is for the best Santa.
Rogers encourages everybody attending, whether they compete in the contests or not, to wear a Santa costume, ugly Christmas sweater, elf tights or whatever promotes the seasonal spirit and brings out their personality.
Another expansion is the Christmas tree village, which has doubled to 20 this year. Local businesses sponsored the trees and decorated them in their unique ways, and following the event, the Salvation Army will donate the trees to local families who need one.
With that charitable aspect and the United Way using proceeds to help others, it makes SantaCon’s reach extend well after the event.
“It’s a night to celebrate each other, our community and the United Way in a fun and loose atmosphere,” said Rogers.
For more information, go to www.facebook.com/p/SANTA-CON-Springfield-Ohio.
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