Knox Twp. holds annual Christmas Drive Thru
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HOMEWORTH -- The Homeworth Community Group held its annual Knox Township Christmas Drive Thru Friday, beginning with the presentation of the 2023 Citizen of the Year Award to Susie Kaiser, who joins former Citizens of the Year Ed Reichenbach, Albert Johnston, Eleanor Carver, Elaine Wagner and Viola Blanchard.
Santa and Mrs. Claus were present to visit with the children, young and old. Polar Express was this year's theme. Homeworth Community Group members could be seen across the town dressed in their pajamas. Hundreds of community members across the township and surrounding areas participated and joined in the evening festivities.
The drive thru featured a display with a Polar Express Train that had an engine light, smoke coming from the stack and realistic engine and horn sounds. Jonathon Bloor and the members of the Community Group provided the decorations and the light display across the town.
Free food was handed out including hams, meat, fruit and popcorn. Popcorn could be seen popping in a huge kettle at the Homeworth Feed Mill. Toys and candy bags, including a Polar Express bell with "Believe" written on it and hot chocolate from our Polar Express theme were passed out to the children.
Carolers sang on the Homeworth Mill Stage from the Mennonite Church of God In Christ Choir of Homeworth. Homeworth Fire Department members handed out hundreds of smoke detectors again this year.
The event began with a Military Tribute Display honoring the country's current and past service members. One half of the display depicted a scene from the deployed service member while the other half was the family at home missing their loved one. A banner read, "Knox Township Thanks You and Your Family for Your Service & Sacrifice."
Many volunteers and donors assisted with the event, including those who sponsored the lighted Christmas Wreaths displayed throughout the town. Those of note include Kelly Palmer & Family, Sarchione Auto Group, Homeworth Feed & Grain, Kenny Smith – Healthy Mind Training Ltd., Deer Valley Farm, Tom Grosenbaugh – Kettle Corn and the Homeworth Masonic Lodge.
The Drive Thru went past Memorial Park where Homeworth and Knox townships folks have purchased engraved bricks in memory of their loved ones or many celebrating their current family or business. The last stop of the evening featured a giant mural of a train at the station where families could get a picture taken. Vallie Scott Teague of Lillies & Sparrow's Photography provided the photo op.