Dundee's Christmas celebration is Saturday

DUNDEE--After taking the previous year off due to the COVID pandemic, Dundee residents will be treated to a return to normalcy this weekend with the Touch of Christmas returning Saturday, Dec. 11. Starting with the Magic of the Season Holiday Parade at 5:30 p.m., Touch of Christmas begins when Santa reaches Seneca Street Park.
"It's finally back, it was weird last year not having it," said Dundee Mayor Fred Cratsley. "It gives everybody in our community, even outside the village a sense of normalcy, giving the spirit of Christmas again."
Along with vendors, treats including cookies, hot dogs, fried dough, chili and sausages will be served. Beverages like hot chocolate and coffee are also available for guests.
"It is always good for everyone to gather and enjoy each other's company," said Cratsley. "Events like this are great because we all get to see all our friends and family again. It can be tough in the year with work."
In addition to the food, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be in attendance passing out filled goody bags to every child.
"It will be exciting to see the kids having fun out there," Cratsley added. "They will get to see Santa Claus. Hopefully, all the kids will have an enjoyable time."
There will also be live music in attendance as well with the Penn Yan Community Choir performing at 7:30 p.m.
The Magic of the Season Parade, which directly precedes Touch of Christmas, will begin at 5:30 p.m. from Dundee Central School. The parade will travel on Harpending Avenue, traveling down Water and Main Streets and then through Hollister, Bell and Seneca Street delivering holiday cheer anywhere it can along the way.
While many guests attend each year, Touch of Christmas brings in many new people as the event expands.
"Touch of Christmas can serve as a great introduction for Dundee to people coming to the community who haven't been here before," said Cratsley. "The more foot traffic, the more opportunities we have to help our businesses."