New event lights up Clarence
by ANDREA KIMBRIEL Reporter

Now that fall festivities at The Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence are over, the grounds are getting a makeover for the first Christmas in Clarence.

The Event Centre, at 11163 Main St., in Clarence, is hosting the holiday celebration that officially begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30. A sneak preview from Nov. 22 to Nov. 26 will provide the first glimpse of the lights and activities.

The drive-through light show and Christmas Barn store and bakery will be open from Thanksgiving weekend to Dec. 30, with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The Jingle House, as organizers are calling the WNY Event Centre building, will offer a Christmas train and other children's rides, as well as craft projects, said Suzanne Willert, whose husband, Jack Willert, is one of the owners of the Event Centre.

A barn on the property will contain a Christmas store with gifts and decorations, and a bakery serving cookies, coffee, hot chocolate and other treats. There will also be a "snowflake shop" where children can buy inexpensive gifts for their families.

The event Web site www.christ masinclarence.com contains prices, a complete schedule, directions and more information about activities.

"I think the property alone makes this unique. The woods are beautiful. We're on Main Street, but this is a country barn and woods," said Willert.

One of the key aspects of the celebration is the "12 Days of Giving" from Dec. 7 to Dec. 23. A dollar from the proceeds of every carload will be donated to a different charity on each of those days. Nonprofit organizations that will benefit include the Clarence Senior Center, the American Red Cross, Erie County SPCA and Kids Escaping Drugs.

"We live a fast-paced lifestyle. It's very rare to have something where everyone can come together to celebrate what I think is one of the best holidays ever," she said.

With a variety of activities offered this year and plans for expansion in the future, organizers are aiming to develop a new Christmas tradition for families.

"There's nothing else like this in the area. We're hoping Clarence falls in love with it," said Willert.