There’s no place like Washington County for the holidays
It takes only a quick glance at the events calendar in this month’s Energy Report to confirm what’s happening in Washington County this month – the holidays are almost here!
And, upon further examination of the aforementioned calendar, it’s apparent that there are a number of ways over the next month or so to celebrate the season in down-home style. Busy sidewalks will be dressed in holiday style, stores will be bustling, and the air will be filled with the sights and smells of Thanksgiving and Christmas.
And let’s not forget the many ways we have to hear the holidays in Washington County. Visitors and locals alike are fortunate to revel in an abundance of the sounds of the holidays, with several special concerts highlighting the period.
The Washington Symphony Orchestra’s annual holiday happening, “Ho, Ho, Ho with the WSO!” has soared in popularity so much over the years that it has added a second performance for 2013. Patrons who didn’t get a seat at last year’s sold-out single performance can now attend either a Saturday evening songfest or a Sunday afternoon matinee. Either reservation, Dec. 7 or 8, guarantees impeccably performed holiday favorites sprinkled with tidings of comfort, joy and just the right amount of whimsy.
Later in the month, the Washington Festival Chorale opens its 10th season with a concert of “Christmas Memories.” The 60-plus member chorale fills the air with sacred and secular songs of drummer boys, sleigh bells, silver bells, carol of the bells and others, creating holiday memories and magic for all.
Listen for not only tunes, but laughter, applause and well wishing at all of our local holiday parades in December. Washington, Monongahela, Canonsburg and other county municipalities usher in the season with marching bands, fire trucks, dancers and a certain jolly old elf usually bringing up the rear of the parade.
Don’t forget your local school, church or civic organization’s banquet or concert for carols and choirs. Above all the bustle you’ll definitely hear who’s in the holiday spirit.
And don’t forget the activity that may include the most music of all – shopping! Black Friday starts a day early at many local malls, outlets and specialty shops in Washington County, so get out as early as Thanksgiving night for deals aplenty. You can bet Frosty, Rudolph and Santa will be wishing you the merriest in surround sound no matter where you roam. But, c’mon, grouse about it if you will, we really look forward to hearing the songs of the season played while shopping, dining and partying all during this festive time.
So get into the holiday spirit, making sure you see, taste, touch, smell and hear how we celebrate the season. Give thanks, sing praise, and listen to the sounds of all of the holidays throughout November and December. Make sure you hear what I hear, that there’s no place like Washington County for the holidays.
Travel safely.
J. R. Shaw is executive director of the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency.