Old-time Christmas cheer

'Twas a fortnight before Christmas, when all through Old Town, every family was stirring, to see the merriment to be found.Yes, this year's Old Town Country Christmas in Old Town Auburn was like a scene out of an old-time Christmas classic, with ladies decked in Victorian clothes and the clip-clop of horses down the street.Event promoter Linda Robinson read "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" to a gathering of children at the entertainment stage area. She read the story - a tradition in her family - in support of traditions everywhere."Old Town Country Christmas is a tradition in and of itself. In 18 years, people have grown to love this event because of the old-fashioned ambiance," she said.Robinson estimated 5,000 attended Saturday's event, which will be held again this Saturday. Many first-time visitors said it would definitely be a new tradition for their families.It was a first-time visit for the Defevere family of Roseville, who started the family night with dinner from Old Town Pizza. "It's the perfect family outing," said Jeff Defevere. His 9-year-old daughter Taylor made sure to tell Santa Claus that a new puppy was at the top of her Christmas list. But Santa still needs to get permission from her mom, Kathleen.Santa's lap seated many children as Mrs. Claus mingled in the crowds, handing out candy canes to sticky-fingered children.Visitors clutched Styrofoam cups of steaming hot apple cider, munched kettle corn and dined on everything from Italian sausage and quesadillas to clam chowder bread bowls."It's a 10," said Linda Miller of Auburn after taking the first slurp of the thick clam chowder, which is sold as a fund-raiser for the Auburn Hook and Ladder Co.The event was a good time to raise money for worthy causes.Eighth graders Brad Fischer and Megan Haddad from Penryn Elementary School were selling handmade wreaths made of donated Christmas tree boughs to fund a school trip to Washington, D.C."It's a lot of money but it's worth it. Hopefully people will support our Washington trip and help us in the spirit of Christmas," said Fischer, 13, of Newcastle.Bowman Elementary School students sold glow sticks from a wagon they pulled around Old Town for another Washington, D.C. trip fund-raiser. "Wanna buy a glow stick?" asked Ruth Brasca, 10, to passersby she stopped Saturday. Her determined salesmanship sold many a glow stick, which were seen around the necks of children and teens. The entertainment included traditional Christmas standards played by the Auburn Brass Choir and a not-so-traditional fire-throwing demonstration. Returning performers Travelin' Shoes, a clogging group from Grass Valley, were happy to tap their shoes yet again."We just love it. We'd do it anywhere," said Claudette Pellegrini of the group.The sounds of "Deck the Halls" and the Salvation Army bell ringers provided the perfect Yuletide atmosphere as families gathered near the bonfire for warmth."They should do this more than two days - it should be every weekend in December," said Tracy Wingett.For the Wingett family, Country Christmas is a 15-year tradition that includes visiting The Christmas Shoppe to pick out a special ornament for the year. Jessica Wingett, 15, picked out a dainty fairy while 7-year-old Christopher gave a simple answer to what he likes about Old Town Country Christmas."Candy," he said.Members of the Native Sons of the Golden West donned their traditional pioneer dress clothes."I think they find the costumes add an ambiance, gong back to the gold rushers," said Sue Miller, of Auburn, who was wearing a green and red plaid frock and petticoat with a decorative black hat that didn't do too good of a job keeping her ears warm.While the temperature was only 52 degrees by the event's end, many felt it was a perfect night for the Old Town Country Christmas.Besides, there's always funnel cake to keep you warm."They gave us forks, but fingers are fine," said Barbara Chapman, of Rocklin, who dug into the powdered sugar-topped confection along with her grandson Brandon Hagey, 8.It was Hagey's first visit, and perhaps a new tradition for the family."We're hoping it will be," Chapman said.The Journal's Michelle Miller can be reached at michellem@goldcountrymedia.com.