12-16-2021 10:58pm

From the Editor's Desk: Light Up Middletown Holiday Whopla

Beth Callahan Editor

Middletown, OH -- Over the last several years I have watched many of the older cities that sit on the bank of the Great Miami River struggle to get their people back to shop and dine local. And, last year’s pandemic didn’t help. But, it didn’t stop them.

Many took the challenge as just that... a challenge.

Cities, such as Middletown, were not only already competing with people heading to the new shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment that had been popping up along the highway for years, but these cities were now facing the competition of internet shopping and entertainment.

The pandemic caused that competition to grow even more. Everything was ordered to shut down, causing even those who love to eat out and shop local to turn to the internet and social media to live.

Good news for the local shops is people are social creatures. We are slowly coming out… some much faster than others. And, if the line I saw at Smith Park for Light Up Middletown shows anything… People are coming out.

Not only is the city park lit up with thousands upon thousands of lights, Historic Downtown Middletown has Holiday Whopla going on, which includes an Ice Rink!

The Ice Rink is opened until Jan., 3, 2022

Sunday – Thursday: 11 am – 10 pm
Friday & Saturday: 11 am – 12 am
Also Igloos are available to rent for groups up to six.

The Holiday Whopla Festival will be:

Friday & Saturday: 5pm-10pm
Then Dec., 20 thru Dec., 23: Noon to 10pm

The Whopla will have pictures with the Grinch, Cookie Decorating, Santa’s mailroom, Nightly Holiday Character Parades, Holiday Window Showcases, Holiday Art and Craft Show, Sweet Treats, Hot Cocoa, Adult Beverages and Holiday Music.

Light Up Middletown, which is celebrating its 21 year is open every night from 6pm – 10pm with admission by donations.

Come out and celebrate with one of Ohio’s Historical Cities that helped develop this area along the Great Miami River to be the Great Miami Valley…. Historic Downtown Middletown.