‘Tis the season to turn away from ghosts and goblins and towards sleigh rides and Santa Claus. The wait is almost over! Kringle Holiday Village hits Fluor Field in a few short weeks. Rotary Club of Greenville teams up with the Greenville Drive to bring music, food and fun to downtown Greenville.
Children of all ages will want to experience the 3rd Annual Kringle Holiday Village. Opening night is Friday, December 8th, 5 pm – 9 pm. The celebration continues Saturday, December 9th and Sunday, December 10th from 11 am – 6 pm. A spectacular holiday fireworks show set to music wraps up (pun intended) the weekend on Sunday at 5:45 pm.
This year offers something for everyone. For those who just can’t get enough shopping, more than thirty local vendors will display their wares. If you still have money left, there’s the District 356 Holiday Market. Local organizations will set up booths to display Christmas traditions from around the world.
Lots of food and drinks will be on tap throughout the village. Everything from hot chocolate and coffee to the Kringle Holiday Village signature beverage. Gluhwein is a spiced, mulled wine that’s sweet and fragrant (that covers two of the senses!) Foods will include favorite ball park staples, along with “German-influenced cuisine.”
Everyone can enjoy live music while kids with painted faces play on inflatables. Train rides and a carousel entertain young ones before they talk to Santa. Parents, please check the website for details on Brunch with Santa & Mrs. Claus and crafts in Santa’s Workshop.
Fundraising efforts are going on behind the scenes too. Kringle Loot is the official 50/50 raffle. Half the money will go to the winner and the rest goes to the Rotary charities. You’ll also find a silent auction on the website.
Rotary is an international service organization with 34,000 clubs and 1.2 million members worldwide. Rotary of Greenville was the first club in South Carolina, established in 1916. Rotary Greenville leads its’ district in fundraising. The club has sponsored many major projects in Greenville over the years, including the original Textile Hall and Furman University’s original gym. Their mission states “together we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.” Rotary of Greenville is about 200 members strong whose efforts include hands-on service in addition to raising money.
We’ve been fortunate enough to witness several projects at Alexander Elementary School. The club has treated staff and teachers to special gifts and meals on countless occasions. One special volunteer reads a new book to a kindergarten class every Friday. He donates the book to the class library that carries his name. So, so special.
Beneficiaries of this year’s Kringle Holiday Village proceeds are: Alexander Elementary School, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Program, Greenville County Teacher of the Year Program, Rotary Family Literacy Partnership, and Service Above Self College Scholarships.