Staff photo / Bob Coupland Jeff Ford, a member of the Vienna Historical Society, dressed as toy soldier for Christmas, visits with Iris Maras, 15 months, being held, and Aurora Maras, 9, of Vienna, Sunday at the Vienna Christmas celebration. The public could visit different locations at the township center with holiday events, including churches and the historical society.

VIENNA — Those who ventured out Sunday afternoon, braving the wintry weather, did not have far to walk as the Vienna community came together at the township center to celebrate the holidays.

The Vienna Methodist and Presbyterian churches and the Vienna Historical Society’s Copper Penny Lodge were the three stops for festive events.

The Vienna Methodist Church turned its lower level into a walk-through Candyland for the 10th year. The Vienna Presbyterian Church had toys set up on tables by the Vienna Community Action Committee for families to pick up as it serves as a Toys for Tots collection site.

Visitors also could see Santa Claus and get a hot dog lunch.

The Vienna Historical Society decorated its building with 12-foot Christmas trees and also had cookies, hot chocolate and other desserts for the public.

Outside the Copper Penny building was a large mailbox marked North Pole where children could put their letters for Santa.

Jeff Ford, a member of the historical society who dressed as a toy soldier to visit with children, said the three-hour event let the public come out for a fun Sunday afternoon.

He said despite the weather, there was a steady crowd.

“It was a nice way to celebrate the holidays and let people stop inside the three buildings. It’s nice to see new faces we have not seen before,” Ford said.

He said the snowy weather helped set the mood.

Pam Clower of the historical society said there are many people who have never been inside the society’s building, which has new windows and blinds.

“We have a building now that we decorated for the holidays and hold programs here the last Tuesday of the month,” she said.

Ford said the society plans to seek grants for more building improvements.

Brittany Harrington, who coordinated the toy collection for local families in need, said the church was a dropoff location and distribution site for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.

She said 75 children in 23 families were to get toys.

“The families will be invited in to get the toys for their children. It is an amazing feeling knowing we are able to help families for the holidays. I hope the younger generations see what we have done and will continue this tradition. I encourage everyone this holiday to show kindness and be good to one another,” Harrington said.

She said food also were given to families.

As for the popular Candyland, mother and daughter team of Justine Spak and Rachel Spak said the event has grown more popular each year since it began 10 years ago.

Rachel said there were 415 visitors on Friday and 567 on Saturday. She said despite the weather, they also had many visitors Sunday.

“Friday was overflowing with people. I am sure we will have more than 1,000 people this year. Many school children from Mathews and Liberty have stopped,” Justine said.

She said what she notices is that those who came last year return again with some coming every year since it started a decade ago.

“They can see that it has grown every year,” Justine said, noting each year the Candyland has additions and revamping. This year, the Gum Drop mountain was redesigned.

She said she was glad visitors could walk between the three participating locations.

“It was nice Vienna was able to hold a holiday event for the public,” Justine said.