Ashland Celebrates Christmas the Old-Fashioned Way

On Saturday, Ashland continued their annual holiday tradition, the Old-Fashioned Christmas.

The event was an all-day affair that begin Saturday morning with a Gingerbread House Contest followed by a Santa Parade in the afternoon, and then the official Old Fashioned Christmas event Saturday evening.

Also open was the Ashland Historical Society where a Lego Building contest was being held as well as Free Cookies, and a special Wewere Sugar Candy.  Wewer's Candy was a candy store from Ashland's past that used to be open at 10th and Centre Street.  We'll have more on this in a separate story.

The evening event was held at the American Legion and featured free horse drawn carriage rides, free hot dogs, popcorn, and hot coca, a reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas by Fire Chief Phil Groody, and other Christmas activities.

The day was closed by an awards ceremony.

The following winners were announced:

Gingerbread House Contest

1. Leiilanni Garcia, Evelyn Lawson and Alajah White
2. Bryce Rollenhagen and his Grandmother Eloise Britt
3. Kole Rollenhagen and his mom Megan Rollenhagen

House Decorating Contest

1. Kammie and John Towey
2. Jordann Bridy and Rick Leibig
3. Jojo and LJ Strickler

Best Santa Parade Float - Wallace Motors

Christmas Tree Decorating Contest - Winner was the Ashland Public Library

Also recognized was borough resident Adam Bernodin III.  The Ashland Chamber of Commerce recognized Bernodin for his months of work in revitalizing the town's Christmas lights and decorations.

Saturday's event was coordinated by the Ashland Rotary Club, Ashland American Legion, and Ashland Area Historical Society.