By Diane Cannon Piwowarczyk
The 39th Annual Augusta Candlelight Walk was held December 3rd and 10th. Shops, galleries, wineries and vineyards were open throughout the evening as thousands of candle-lit luminaries lined the streets, all with the goal of highlighting Augusta's history, architecture and businesses. The Hoffmann Family of Companies offered free shuttles that took visitors throughout the town. Activities this year included a scavenger hunt, a gingerbread house contest, strolling carolers, a bonfire in the Town Square, carriage rides, pictures with Santa and much more. Visitors had a wide variety of dining options with food tents in the Town Square: Augusta Volunteer Fire Department and Immaculate Conception Holy Name Society. Ebenezer UCC, offered roast beef, chili and soup to a packed house. Root Food+Wine, Good News Brewing Company, Noboleis Vineyards, Balducci Vineyards, Mount Pleasant Estates, Augusta and Montelle Wineries served food in their dining rooms or at pop up locations in town.
This was the second year for the Gingerbread House competition held at the Augusta Visitors Center. After the winners were announced, on December 11, many of the contestants entered their gingerbread houses in a silent auction at the Christmas Trivia Night at the Harmonie Verein. This was the grand finale of the Historic Augusta’s 39th Christmas Candlelight Walk and the proceeds were donated for new playground equipment in the Town Square.
December 3rd Augusta was at full capacity, the crowds enjoyed the festive atmosphere and mild weather; December 10th told another story with its tornadic weather that forced the cancellation of the rest of the event.
The 39th Annual Augusta Candlelight Walk was held December 3rd and 10th. Shops, galleries, wineries and vineyards were open throughout the evening as thousands of candle-lit luminaries lined the streets, all with the goal of highlighting Augusta's history, architecture and businesses. The Hoffmann Family of Companies offered free shuttles that took visitors throughout the town. Activities this year included a scavenger hunt, a gingerbread house contest, strolling carolers, a bonfire in the Town Square, carriage rides, pictures with Santa and much more. Visitors had a wide variety of dining options with food tents in the Town Square: Augusta Volunteer Fire Department and Immaculate Conception Holy Name Society. Ebenezer UCC, offered roast beef, chili and soup to a packed house. Root Food+Wine, Good News Brewing Company, Noboleis Vineyards, Balducci Vineyards, Mount Pleasant Estates, Augusta and Montelle Wineries served food in their dining rooms or at pop up locations in town.
This was the second year for the Gingerbread House competition held at the Augusta Visitors Center. After the winners were announced, on December 11, many of the contestants entered their gingerbread houses in a silent auction at the Christmas Trivia Night at the Harmonie Verein. This was the grand finale of the Historic Augusta’s 39th Christmas Candlelight Walk and the proceeds were donated for new playground equipment in the Town Square.
December 3rd Augusta was at full capacity, the crowds enjoyed the festive atmosphere and mild weather; December 10th told another story with its tornadic weather that forced the cancellation of the rest of the event.
The Chamber Choir Singers from Winfield High School.
Santa Claus “is” in town!
Scott Repke working the Augusta Volunteer Fire Department tent.
Carriage rides.
Root Food+Wine staff: Heather Henning and Ella Scott.
JoAnn Milster (left) with Stone Ledge Antiques owner Lisa Carmon (right) with Sunny, Bowen, and Cadence.
Ebenezer UCC serves hot sandwiches, soup, chili and home baked Christmas cookies.
Dena Fuhr, Volunteer at the Augusta Visitor Center & Gift Shop.
Jenny Jasper, Joan Coleman, George McQuade, Janet Hellebusch & Rita McQuade at Mt. Pleasant Est.
Randy Hobson sporting some Christmas flair.
First Place Winner Gingerbread House - Adult Category
The Town Square.
The Town Square.