Children In Tow
Jennifer Ozgur is a mother, wife and teacher who still finds time to get out and about with the family I’ve had a West Chester address for almost two decades, and I’ve seen many changes over the years. I can recall browsing through The County Seat Antiques where Fairman’s now stands, making bank deposits in retro teller booths instead of ordering a chai steamer on the corner of High and Gay, and I have the faintest memory of Woolworth’s on the opposite side of the street where Iron Hill’s stainless steel vats now reside. But one of my fondest memories is working at the old Brandywine Gourmet. I spent many a Saturday weighing and grinding coffee and recommending the perfect cheese for someone’s dessert tray. These were good times, especially during the crazy holiday season of gift baskets. I remember staying open during the Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade, up to my ears in willow baskets and shrink wrap. We kept the front door open to hear the marching bands strut by, and we’d offer mulled cider to our customers. Carolers dressed in Victorian cloaks and hats stopped by to sing a few songs, followed by a brass ensemble led by a (now retired) WCU jazz professor. After the last antique car passed and the last candy was tossed (a practice that has since been banned), we’d close up shop, and set out on the mission of spreading holiday cheer. I was single then and gravitated toward methods involving olives and limes. Now that I have a family, my focus has shifted. Instead of anticipating the events after the parade, I concentrate on seeing as much of it as possible before it gets past a certain person’s bedtime (and I’m not talking about my kids). Much more than just an ephemeral crowd on Gay Street, it’s now a weekend full of entertainment. For the athletic, there’s the Fourth Annual Jingle Elf 5K Run at 6:30pm. On-site registration begins an hour before and the route is the same as the parade, starting and finishing at Market and High. On that same corner is the tree lighting at 7:00pm, and the parade itself begins at 7:15pm. But, if you get a late start, not to worry–it loops around twice. If you want to broaden your little one’s horizons, consider exposing them to Gilbert and Sullivan. The Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Chester County will be putting on “Trial by Jury” in the Chester County Justice Center on 11/30, 12/1 and 12/1. Downtown banks and businesses also have a broad range of entertainment. In the past there have been bell ringers and puppet shows, barber shop quartets and choral/instrumental ensembles… even a pancake breakfast. It’s impossible to experience it all. I suggest first highlighting what your entire family wants to do, and then divide and conquer to please everyone. It’s been a while since my days of cheese and coffee and nights of olives and limes. But it’s a comfort to know the Mars Drinks OldFashioned Christmas Parade weekend is one thing that still remains... even if the name has changed. jozgur@thewcpress.com
novemBER 2012 | thewcpress.com
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