Wilmot Express to Delight Children on December 8

Three Wilmot organizations welcome Santa to town

Press release

Fun for everyone is in store starting at 4 PM on Sunday, December 8, when folks climb aboard the second annual Wilmot Express, a townwide, progressive event.

The Wilmot Express is a joint effort by the Wilmot Community Association (WCA), the Wilmot Volunteer Fire Department, and the Wilmot Public Library.

The first stop – from 4 to 5:30 PM – will be the WCA’s Red Barn at 64 Village Road, next door to the US Post Office in Wilmot Flat. Travelers may create a gingerbread house to take home for a holiday decoration. They also may write holiday greeting cards that will be sent members of the US armed forces serving in Afghanistan.

At the second stop – from 5 to 7 PM – a hearty Italian-style dinner will be served at the fire station, 1 Firehouse Lane, just off Route 11. The dinner will include spaghetti, salad, bread, dessert, and beverage. Cost is $7 for adults and $3 for children 12 and younger. Anyone who brings a non-perishable food item for the Wilmot Food Pantry will receive a $2 discount on their dinner.

This year, in memory of Alice Chandler, Wilmot’s overseer of public welfare who passed away in early November, the fire department will sponsor a “Fill the Truck” food drive.

Caroling and a tree lighting ceremony will start at 6:30 PM at the fire station.

With the call, “All aboard!” Santa Claus will hop on a fire truck and travel to the Wilmot Public Library, 11 North Wilmot Road, just off Route 4A in Wilmot Center. At 7:15 PM, the Jolly Old Elf will read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and give each child a special gift. John Swindell, a professional photographer based in Wilmot, will take photos of children with Santa.

“We are grateful to Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty for underwriting the second annual Wilmot Express,” said Patty McGoldrick, executive director of the WCA. “This collaboration is exciting and a true partnership that combines old and new traditions for Wilmot.

“With the shared goal of serving the town of Wilmot, this joint effort is the best possible way for the WCA, the Wilmot Volunteer Fire Department and the Wilmot Public Library to combine resources and create a truly fun event for folks of all ages to enjoy,” McGoldrick added.

More information about the Wilmot Express is available from the WCA office at 526-7934, at WilmotCommunityAssociation.org, or follow the WCA on Facebook. Information also is available on the fire department’s Web site at WilmotFire.org/events.html.