Down here in Ventnor we like to do things differently.
Last year we had a Victorian Christmas, but this year businesses are heading in the polar opposite direction, with their Christmas shopping event on Saturday 13th December being inspired by the Dr Seuss character ‘The Grinch’.
This is a fantastic opportunity for Ventnorians to get dressed up and help make the town as colourful as ever.
Who’s the Grinch?
The Grinch is a colourful creature who lives in Whoville’. The town of Whoville is a fun place to live, with lots of colourful characters living in a Christmas storyland setting. If you have not seen the film then Google it or check out You Tube.
Head on down to Ventnorville
You can find out more about what’s happening nearer the time, but it promises to be a fun-packed day, bursting with activities, as well as entertainment and great Christmas shopping opportunities.
Don’t miss The Grinch himself, the Costume Competition, the Costume Parade, the Santa Dash along Ventnor Beach, the twinkling lights of the Lantern Parade as well as the annual Carol Service in Ventnor Park.
What else is on offer
There’ll be a Christmas Grotto with Father Christmas and his Elves (natch), a Christmas Food Market, Christmas Arts and Crafts Market at the Winter Gardens, Window Competition for all retailers (throughout December), Face Painting, Photo Booth with the Grinch, Christmas Theme Bunting will be brightening up the town (more on that later) as well as Hunger Hot Spots – food outlets to offer Christmas Themed refreshments – Hot Chocolate, Roasted Chestnuts and Apple Strudel.
Not only all that, but also, as you’d expected for Ventnor, live music from bands in various locations.
Tip o’ the hat
Ventnor’s active business association are co-ordinating the day, bringing together as many local community groups and retailers as possible and they’re hoping that everyone will muck in to make Ventnorville as bright and welcoming as possible.
The wide range of activities and attractions are being planned with help from Ventnor Enhancement Fund; Ventnor Carnival; Rotary and Inner Wheel of Ventnor; Isle of Arts; Ventnor Fringe; The New Carnival Company & St Catherine’s Church, as well as St Francis School and other local groups.
Prizes for the best costumes
There’ll also be a costume competition taking place. The theme is ‘The Grinch who stole Christmas’. We understand dogs in costume are welcome.
You need to get your entry form in by 6th December if you want to take part.
Entry Forms via Love Ventnor Facebook or email [email protected] Collect from ‘Oh So Vintage’ in Pier Street, Post Office or Sarah’s House on the High Street.
For anyone wanting further information, contact Tracy [email protected] or 01983 857606.
Image: dedrawolff under CC BY 2.0
