Harlem prepares events for memorable Christmas fun
A few blocks of downtown Harlem will become the center of the city's holiday festivities on Saturday.
For the second year, store owners will open their shops and vendors will peddle their wares from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the sidewalks of downtown for the annual Christmas in the Heart of Downtown Harlem.
"It's basically just going to be a craft show, and a good many of our businesses will be doing their sidewalk sales and they will have open houses," said Kathy Ham, the event organizer and the city's Industry, Trade and Tourism director.
"I am looking forward to that."
Everyone is invited to enjoy the day's festivities.
"We'll have live entertainment on stage all day long," Ham said, adding that rides for children also will be on site for entertainment.
The Lions Club Christmas parade, which travels through the town, also begins at 2 p.m. Saturday. The parade will snake from Harlem Middle School and on Boundary to Milledgeville Street. It will turn onto North Louisville Road before turning onto West Forrest Street headed back to the middle school.
Cooks and bakers are called to enter the pecan cooking contest. All contest entries must include pecans and a handwritten or typed recipe on an index card turned in with the dish by 12:30 p.m. to the judge's table in front of the police station, Ham said. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded.
Also on Saturday, children will be able to participate in Breakfast with Santa at 9 and 10 a.m. at BG's Fine Deli and Catering.
"We'll take about 40 people and Santa Claus will individually go around and visit with each child. Then breakfast is served," Ham said.
Reservations are required and cost $5.
For Breakfast with Santa reservations or more information on Harlem's holiday events, call Ham at the Laurel and Hardy Museum of Harlem at 556-0401.
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