November 30 - A bit of bad holiday news that I need to share. The Santa Express is no longer in operation.

After sixteen years flying through the frosty winter nights to bring Christmas cheer to so many people and megawatt delight to children throughout the County, due to extreme technical and mechanical issues with the Santa Express vehicle, Lou Monteleone told me that the Santa Express can no longer operate.

In addition, Lou reported to me that this year the insurance costs for the Express doubled. It is so disappointing that this beloved extremely popular Christmas tradition of the Santa Express has come to an abrupt ending leaving thousands of disappointed fans.

Locally the Monteleone family will continue the other Christmas traditions. The Santa’s Village of Giving is up and running and accepting donations for several local charities.

The Village’s charitable mission is contagious (in the best way), and the festive spirit has spilled out all over town with decorated trees in our lovely Dove Park and Christmas lights everywhere in the Piazza- a virtual beacon of Christmas charm which instantly cheers everyone up when driving by.

The Village’s most recent decoration are the twelve reindeer from the Santa Express that have found a new home on the roof of the site, and it now has over fifteen Christmas inflatables standing ready for families to visit, bring donations and take selfies with their favorite Christmas characters.

The Village of Giving is ready to accept donations for a local no-kill pet shelter that needs pet toys and dog and cat food; new clothing for both adults and kids and dry goods and canned nonperishable foods for the Coalition for the Homeless and children’s toys which will be donated to local families in need and to the Toys for Tots Program.

The Santa’s Village will feature a special mailbox for those who wish to send Christmas cards and letters to our military members who will not be able to be home for Christmas. The Village of Giving is open to receive donations twenty-four hours a day until the end of December.

An exceptionally reliable source has reported that Santa and his friends will be visiting the Village next Saturday starting at 5:00 p.m. for some Christmas fun. For more information about when Santa will visit the Village or to make a monetary donation call the Corner at (845) 557-3321.

Also, next Saturday December 4th, The Greater Barryville Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring the Tree Lighting in the Cul de Sac next to the Shohola Bridge. The event is from 6-7:00 pm and will be hosted by Broadway and TV actor Erin West.

This Tree Lighting is packed with entertainment with a fifty feet high natural evergreen tree all dressed up for the occasion. The Chamber sets up several small fire pits to keep us all toasty. The ceremony will feature performances by Broadway actor John Bolton who appeared in Anastasia, Dames at Sea and A Christmas Story: The Musical and Sean McKnight who was featured in Curtains, Merrily We Roll Along and The Radio Christmas Spectacular.

There will also be a special performance by musician, writer, editor and spoken word artist Mike Edison author of the highly acclaimed book “Sympathy for the Drummer: Why Charlie Watts Matters."

There are social distancing ways to enjoy the tree lighting which will be broadcast on WJFF radio (90.5 FM) also Facbook.com/wjffradio, and on facebook.com/greaterbarryvillechamberofcommerce. For some serious distancing there is great viewing from the comfort of your car in the parking lot of McKean Real Estate.

Some fantastic holiday treats will be served compliments of Konrad’s Kitchen. For more information go to the Greater Barryville Chamber of Commerce or visit their Facebook page. The Barryville Chamber’s Tree Lighting ceremony is a truly magical night and a not-to-be-missed event that starts our winter wonderland holidays.

For more information about the Tree Lighting or our local Christmas shopping information visit the Chamber’s site at barryvilleny.com.