Christmas is coming, and so is December to Remember.
The committee organizing the December 5 event firmed up plans Thursday, meeting at the Cobleskill Fairgrounds, where December to Remember will be.
As is often the case these days, COVID was a topic, though it didn’t put much of a damper on enthusiasm.
Originally a parade and a downtown celebration, the event will be a stationary parade, with floats, singers, Santa and more in place, with families driving past to enjoy the show.
The change is necessary be-cause of COVID restrictions.
On Thursday, committee member Bruce Wright, also on the Sunshine Fair Board, explained how the traffic should be routed around the horse track and into and out of the Fair-grounds.
There will be no vendors or food, and families won’t be able to get out of their cars. It will also be cars only; no pedestrians will be allowed in.
Masks, gloves and social distancing will be enforced, and hand sanitizer will be available for participants. The December to Remember committee will submit a safety plan to the Schoharie County Health Department.
Despite the restrictions, committee Chair Anna Marie Collins was upbeat.
“It’s limited, but it will be something special,” she said. “And I think this is a start of a tradition.”
Area pastors will have churches ring their bells on the hour when December to Re-member opens at 4pm on the 5th.
Scouts and other groups will decorate trees along the drive-thru route on the Fairgrounds, and Disney characters and elves will take part.
The budget for December to Remember is about $5,000, including renting the Fairgrounds, publicity, insurance, decorations and more.
The committee tentatively decided to charge $5 per car, with 20 percent of the money going to the Salvation Army.
Ms. Collins was impressed that so many community groups are involved in the planning. In addition to the Fairgrounds and local pastors, other participants are the Cobleskill Elks, SUNY Cobleskill, Cobleskill Rec Commission, village officials, county Public Transportation and more.
“There’s a real sense of involvement and enthusiasm,” Ms. Collins said. “People are on deck for this one.”
The next December to Re-member meeting is Thursday, October 15, 4:30pm at the Fair-grounds. The public is invited.