Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland a Great Success

Darke County Parks’ annual Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland holiday event saw the largest crowds in its 10 years on Saturday, December 3rd. Attendance to this year’s event more than doubled with over 1,700 visitors winding their way through a half-mile trail at Shawnee Prairie Preserve. With nearly 600 luminaries and the crisp hint of winter in the air guests experienced a beautiful and peaceful start to the holiday season. Attendees also enjoyed decorating gingerbread men, delighting in the decorated Christmas trees, and constructing Christmas ornaments in the Nature Center. Good Ol’ St. Nick even stopped in to see what was going on and visit with some good little girls and boys.

At the log house, “200 year old” staff and volunteers welcomed the chilly travelers in true historic style with spiced cider warmed at the hearth and cookies. A mountain dulcimer filled the air with the sound of Christmas past. Outside at the blacksmith shop, the anvil rang, and the forged glowed bright. Throughout the Log House Area this year, thanks to a donation to the Friends of the Parks by Michelle Stephenson , the daughter of Michael Beard, a new style of lantern was tried in hopes of someday replacing the milk jugs (some of which have been in use for nearly 10 years).

Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland has proven time and again to be the staff’s favorite event, and this year was no exception.

If you missed it this year, join us annually on the first Saturday of December. The Darke County Park District staff wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season.