From Cedar Point to Christmas Point, USA
10-30-2008
Sandusky Beckons Visitors Year-Round
LAKE ERIE SHORES & ISLANDS, OHIO, October 29, 2008 – Sandusky may be most recognized as home to the world’s best amusement park, Cedar Point, and as the heart of Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands region, but during the holiday season, this historic coastal town transforms into a journey to Christmas past.
Spearheaded by Sandusky State Theatre Executive Director Thomas T. Kazmierczak III, Sandusky will take on the spirit of Christmas Point, USA and welcome visitors to recall a time when the holidays were less about commercialism and more about tradition and family connections.
The transformation begins with the premiere of twelve nostalgic, animated window displays throughout downtown Sandusky storefronts, reminiscent of 1940’s Americana. The windows, much like a mini-Broadway show, will tell the classic Dickens’ tale, “A Christmas Carol,” through the use of story boards and vintage life-like figures. The figures were originally created by world-famous holiday window designer Spaeth Design – the same company responsible for creating window designs featured at Manhattan’s landmark department stores.
Visitors will follow a walking tour, reading the story from window to window and viewing the character scenes. Holiday music will be broadcast onto the street from the State Theatre, adding to the festive atmosphere. The windows will be lighted and animated daily from 11 am – 9 pm, November 23 – January 1, 2009.
The displays will be in storefronts on Sandusky’s Columbus Avenue, Water Street and Market Street in the city’s historic Main Street district. A free self-guided tour map will be available at the Christmas in the City gift shop located in the Sandusky State Theatre, which is open daily.
The Theatre will host several special events in conjunction with the holiday windows. Most notably, there will be a walk-through display of 40 breathtaking holiday-decorated trees, called Holiday Sparkle at the State. The trees can be viewed daily from 11 am – 8 pm, November 23 – December 15. Holiday Sparkle at the State and the animated window displays are made possible through the generous sponsorship of local organizations, including civic, commercial and non-profit groups.
Holiday movies, live appearances, performances and dining events among the Holiday Sparkle are all a part of the Sandusky State Theatre’s exciting holiday schedule.
While strolling the streets of historic downtown Sandusky, visitors will want to be sure to check out the holiday decorations and light displays at Washington Park. Shoppers won’t want to miss the ChristmasMarkt, a holiday-themed flea market in the tradition of the German ChristmasMarkt (sometimes called Christkindlmarkt). Several downtown Sandusky storefronts will be filled with merchants selling traditional Christmas wares such as candy, food, nutcrackers, holiday ornaments, handmade items, toys, books and jewelry. All downtown merchants will also be featuring their best holiday gift ideas and decorations for the season.
Make Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands a holiday destination this year and visit Christmas Point, USA. Many area hotels and resorts, including Sandusky’s famed indoor waterparks, offer holiday getaway packages. Log on to www.SHORESandISLANDS.com for lodging packages and holiday event information.
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“A Christmas Carol” animated window displays
Sandusky’s Christmas Point, USA
FACTS
- The figures were created by world famous holiday window creator/designer Spaeth Design – responsible for windows featured at Manhattan’s landmark department stores: Macy’s, Saks Fifth Ave
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