'Christmas at the Canal' offered this weekend
Comet staff report

"Christmas at the Canal" promises to put visitors in an old-fashioned holiday mood.

The annual event, sponsored by Carroll County Wabash & Erie Canal Inc., will be Dec. 8 and 9 at Canal Park, Delphi. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free.

The Carroll County Community Band will perform on Saturday, and horse-drawn carriage rides will be offered on Sunday (weather permitting).

Also on Sunday, a certain "man in red" will come riding up to the Canal Center in the carriage. Pictures can be taken with this special visitor from the north from 2 to 4 p.m.

All buildings in the park will be open and decorated for the holidays in the spirit of an 1850s Christmas.

Punch and cookies will be served in the 1844 Reed Case House. Visitors can tour the house and see the recently restored children's bedroom.

Step inside the log schoolhouse and hear stories of one-room schooling in the 1800s.

Inside the Interpretive Center are hands-on exhibits that tell the story of the canal.

The series of paintings of Wabash & Erie Canal scenes is now completed and can be seen in the lobby of the Canal Center. A newly published brochure tells about each painting.

The scent of simmering potpourri will lead to the Bowen log cabin. Visitors can relax by the fire or shop for handmade gifts.

Pioneer crafts, such as blacksmithing and coppersmithing, will be demonstrated, as well as crocheting and "chicken scratch" needlework, whittling, broom making, and weaving. Other work to be displayed by artisans and craftsmen will include wooden toys, gourd art and florals, potpourri, cold process soap, alpaca wool work, pottery, paintings and photography.

Sweet treats in the Canal Center will be apple dumpling and cookie sales.

At the Canal Christmas, or anytime, families can walk or bike along the canal on the towpath.