From left, Megan Radcliff, Sheila Carroll, Brooks and Bohen Radcliff enjoy breakfast at the Belpre Volunteer Fire Department during the Belpre Christmas Crawl, Saturday morning. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

BELPRE – Belpre streets were busy Saturday as residents and visitors took part in the city’s Christmas Crawl, a daylong holiday event that combined shopping, fundraisers and family activities.

Belpre Mayor Susan Abdella said the event brought together multiple community groups while encouraging people to shop locally.

“It’s just amazing,” Abdella said. “The team that’s worked all together to put these things together — it’s been a blessing. The citizens are having fun, and I’m seeing cars from other areas. It’s a great addition to the community, and I’m getting a lot of my Christmas shopping done without having to go anywhere else.”

Carrie Arnold, who organized the Christmas Crawl, said the idea began taking shape early in the fall.

“I was getting the Christmas itch in September because it’s my favorite time of year,” Arnold said.

From left, Jesse Richards takes a picture of Belpre Christmas Court members Grace, Olive and Alice Barrett, Liz Morrison, Callie Richards, Bailey Gruber and Jaidah Strong at Belpre Elementary School’s Christmas Market on Saturday. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

She asked residents on the Belpre in the Know Facebook page what they would like to see happen in the city, then consolidated those ideas and reached out to Gary Webb at the Belpre Church of the Nazarene.

“The world can be a dark place, so I wanted something for kids and families to enjoy,” Arnold said.

The group partnered with local businesses and organizations to expand activities across the city, building around events that were already planned, including the Christmas Market and more”I love our town, and we have a park full of amazing lights. Why not make it a day- and night-long event to make memories?” Arnold said, adding that the response from the community was overwhelmingly positive.

Breakfast with Santa hosted by the Belpre Volunteer Fire Department (VFD). Fire Chief Jeff Rafferty said the breakfast served as the kickoff for the day and drew a strong turnout.

“I’d say we had over 250 people,” Rafferty said, noting the department regularly hosts breakfasts but was glad to integrate the tradition into the larger citywide event.

Kassius Kennedy prepares a hot chocolate order outside The Diva Sisters during the Belpre Christmas Crawl on Saturday. The proceeds from the hot chocolate go toward his baseball team, The Blennerhasset Bears, participating in a tournament in July. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Rafferty also stated the event was part of thanking residents for the levy that made it possible for the VFD to receive a new truck.

At Belpre Elementary School, the Belpre Athletic Boosters hosted a Christmas market that featured dozens of vendors, raffle baskets, concessions and a 50/50 drawing. Booster President Kelly Woodford said 51 vendors ultimately participated despite weather concerns, with booth fees helping support school athletic programs.

“We just want people to have a good time and do some last-minute shopping,” Woodford said.

Residents like Kate Williams said the crawl made the day feel special for families.

“It’s the first year, so we just decided to check it out,” Williams said while visiting the elementary school Christmas Market. “The kids think it’s cool to come to their school on a weekend.”

Mason Reeder colors in an ornament at Belpre Church of the Nazarene as a part of the Belpre Christmas Crawl, Saturday afternoon. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Several organizations used the crawl as a fundraiser. Members of the Blennerhassett Bears youth baseball team sold hot chocolate outside local businesses to raise money for a summer tournament in Cooperstown, New York. Kassius Kennedy, a team member, said the group is working to cover travel costs and is also accepting donations through its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BlennerhassettBears/

“It would mean a lot for us to be able to go,” Kennedy said.

Local businesses and nonprofits also opened their doors for holiday-themed activities. At Diva Sisters, owners Mindy Sereno and Victoria Frye offered free popcorn and visits with Santa and the Grinch while hosting the Bears’ fundraiser outside their shop. The business operates as a year-round holiday store with a deli, butcher shop and bakery.

The Ohio Valley Opry hosted a Christmas open house with backstage tours and a holiday market featuring handmade items from local and regional vendors. Deanna Clark said the Belpre location is in its first year of operation and has allowed the Opry to expand its dinner shows and seasonal programming.

Families were also welcomed at the Belpre Church of the Nazarene, where Webb said volunteers opened the church for ornament decorating and crafts.

From left, Ainsley Williams reads her letter to Santa to Artsbridge Outreach Coordinator Mary Smith during the Belpre Christmas Crawl at Belpre Elementary School on Saturday. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

“We’ve had all ages, from little one-year-olds all the way up to 80- and 90-year-olds,” Webb said.

Children received free crafts and treats at several stops, including melted snowman ornaments and reindeer food provided by Belpre Homecoming volunteers, according to Amanda Wires.

The day was meant to conclude with Belpre’s Christmas parade, however it was cancelled due to inclement weather.

Other activities throughout the day included pet photos with “Santa Paws” at The Dashing Dog, and all-day scavenger hunts hosted by Healthy Hustle and Flower Daddy. Additional programming took place at the Belpre Public Library, including an interactive showing of “The Muppets Christmas Carol”, a gift-wrapping station and stories with Santa. The Belpre Elementary choir performed at the Farmers Castle Museum. Some events in the evening were canceled due to heavy snowfall that hit the area.

Gwen Sour c an be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com

Jolene Reeder strings ornaments at the Belpre Church of the Nazarene during the Belpre Christmas Crawl on Saturday. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Families watched a screening of “The Muppets Christmas Carol” at the Belpre Public Library during the Belpre Christmas Crawl on Saturday. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

The Grinch gets “arrested” by Belpre Police for stealing Christmas at The Diva Sisters in Belpre during the Belpre Christmas Crawl on Saturday. (Photo Provided)