Dickens Christmas on the Square

Today, I saw first hand, what a small town can do, when it's spirit is revived.  Wow!...is all I have to say.  We have been hearing of our "first" annual Dickens Christmas on the Square for several months now.  I have been looking forward to it, but had no idea that it would have such a blast.

Our square has been revamped over the last few years.  It is gorgeous!  Today's/Tonight's event was nothing but complimentary to the beautiful streets of downtown.  

It was a very cold day.  Mills and I arrived this afternoon, post nap just in time to catch the "Punch and Judy" puppet show.  It was just like old times, and Mills loved it.  There, we also learned the story behind the Christmas tree. 

As we strolled the streets, carolers, horse drawn carriage rides, and characters from a "Christmas Carol" were making the scene just perfect!   Shop owners and other spectators also dressed the part.

Our next stop was the Chamber of Commerce where Ms. Kyle read "Twas the Night Before Christmas."  Mills was tired by this point, and did not sit for the whole thing, but I still enjoyed every minute of it.
We rushed home to dive in to some chicken and dumplings (thanks Emily Cook!) that a friend of mine had posted on her blog, and they were fantastic.

Tonight, our choir was scheduled to sing at the Dickens Christmas at 6:00.  So, after bundling up and getting myself fed, I left Mills and E at home to hurry back to the big event.  It was way too cold for Mills to be out and about, and I knew that there was no way he would stand and watch mama sing.  The streets were even more beautiful at night.  Carolers still singing and lights galore.  I cannot tell you how perfect it was.  As we walked across the square, candles and choir books in hand, I was looking around at how everything looked just like something out of a movie.  I was glad to be a part of the festivities tonight, and cannot wait until next year. 

Great job to those who worked so hard to make our first Dickens Christmas on the Square a huge success.  I can only imagine what it will be like in the years to come.  It couldn't have been more amazing!

A few ladies from our church were dressed out full Dickens style

Adorable stockings adorned the light posts.  Every time we would see one, Mills would say, "Sock!"

This sweet girl and boy were nice enough to stop for a picture.  The little boy was actually selling old fashioned copies of The Covington Leader for 5 cents.

We ran into Jilly, Aunt Ginger, and Mama B.

Mills is checking out Ms. Kyle's large collection of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" books

Ms. Kyle after her book reading.