Just about 45 minutes from Pittsburgh in Steubenville, Ohio you can enter a festive world of life-sized Nutcrackers during the Holidays. From November 22, 2022 through January 7, 2023 the downtown streets of Steubenville are transformed into a village of these happy fellows and gals. Lined along the streets you will find one representing almost every profession, sports team, and/or hobby that you can imagine. These brightly colored Nutcrackers gave this town a needed boost after it was hit hard when the steel mills closed. Thanks to these beautifully crafted friends, Steubenville is a magical Holiday destination. The making of The Nutcracker Village is a true Christmas Story of resilience and hope.
Reflection
For us older folks, Steubenville, Ohio is known as the
birth place of singer, Dean Martin. Now you could call Steubenville the birth
place of the giant Nutcrackers. Once a year it sparkles with 6 feet, some even 8
feet, Nutcrackers. As you stroll the streets, you can’t help pointing with excited proclamation, “look there is a doctor, nurse, a hair
dresser, a cook…” You are likely to find a Nutcracker version of your profession,
hobby, or favorite sports team. Everyone seems to find their favorite for that unique Holiday
photo. There are storybook characters, the Wizard of Oz gang, Charlie Brown,
and even a variety of gift bearers (The Three Wise Men, St. Nicholas, La Befana
and of course, Santa.
After enjoying the fun, you do not want to leave without stopping at Naples Spaghetti House for some homemade Italian cuisine. The meatballs and Lasagna are almost as popular as the Nutcrackers. I always make sure to also bring home some famous Di Carlos Pizza.
The Studenville Cultural Trust came up with the idea for the Nutcracker Village after visiting The Dickens
Characters in Cambridge, Ohio. They collaborated with a local businessman, Mark
Nelson, who designed the first 34 Nutcrackers eight years ago. They now have 200, craft
and food vendors, tree decorating, trolley rides, music and much more. As you pass the The Antique
Warehouse you can warm up and also explore four floors of collectables.
Judy Bratten, the director of Fort Steubenville states
that the Nutcracker Village, “gives you an appreciation of human ingenuity that
changed a steel town through artistic creativity. It gives the locals hope by
bringing back some business.” Now that is a good Christmas story.
Spiritual Reflection
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful
in prayer. Romans 12:12
Other sources
https://www.steubenvillenutcrackervillage.com/
https://www.steubenvillenutcrackervillage.com/events-2.html
https://www.oldfortsteuben.com/
https://www.naplesspaghettihouse.com/