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Crowds turn out for historic neighborhood Christmas event

Many braved the weather Sunday for the Annual German Village Christmas Walk in Hamilton. The annual walk gives people the oppurtunity to view some of the historical houses in the village as well as carriage rides, face painting, visiting Santa and music at several different locations.

Martin Wheeler/Contributing photographer Many braved the weather Sunday for the Annual German Village Christmas Walk in Hamilton. The annual walk gives people the oppurtunity to view some of the historical houses in the village as well as carriage rides, face painting, visiting Santa and music at several different locations.

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By By Hannah Poturalski, Staff Writer 8:42 PM Sunday, December 4, 2011

HAMILTON — It was a rainy German Village Christmas Walk but the drizzle didn’t hold back crowds from enjoying the festivities Sunday.

The historic neighborhood’s event represented its 20th Annual Christmas Walk. The streets were lined in winter decor and horse-drawn carriages.

With more than 25 stops on the walk, residents enjoyed live reindeer and farm animals, homemade and unique holiday gifts, live music, tours of historic architecture and other family activities including face painting and balloon making.

Jeff Newton, lifelong Hamilton resident, attended the event for the first time with his 7-year-old granddaughter.

“It’s pretty cool, even with the rain,” Newton said.

Newton said he enjoyed an up-close look at the historical buildings. His granddaughter enjoyed meeting reindeer Dancer and Sugar Plum and getting Christmas lights painted on her face at the Lane Public Library.

“It’s pretty amazing and it’s all free so you can’t really beat it,” Newton said.

Debby Ripperger, owner of The Village Seamstress on North Third Street, has participated in the event since she opened her business four years ago. She’s also on the event committee.

“It gets better every year because more people come to participate and we add more,” Ripperger said, who’s home business smelled of lavender goods.

Ripperger makes homemade soaps, lavender candies and honey including fudge, handmade scarfs and clothing as well as a variety of Cincinnati Bengals sports gear.

“The Christmas Walk is great because there are so many gems here in German Village,” Ripperger said, such as the 148-year-old Lane Hooven House.

Connie Fisher of Hamilton was with friends exploring goods at Ripperger’s business. Afterward, Fisher was headed to First United Methodist Church for a hand bell choir and pipe organ concert.

“It’s a good chance to find out what’s down here,” Fisher said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2179 or Hannah.Poturalski@coxinc.com.

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