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Press Release

Publish Date: 11/28/2023

ELVES DAY OUT” TO AGAIN TRANSFORM CANAJOHARIE INTO A CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 28, 2023

Contact: Morgan McClary, MMcClary@co.montgomery.ny.us; 518-774-9138

“ELVES DAY OUT” TO AGAIN TRANSFORM CANAJOHARIE INTO A CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND

Day-Long Holiday Celebration Will Feature “Ugly Sweater 5K,” Activities for Kids, Crafts, Food, Musical Performances and More

Montgomery County Tourism, Canajoharie-Palatine Bridge Chamber of Commerce Partnering to Expand Visitation to the Historic River Community

(CANAJOHARIE, NY) – Santa and his elves will return to one of upstate New York’s most picture-perfect river villages on Saturday, December 2, 2023. The Village of Canajoharie, known for its quaint downtown, storefronts, the historic Arkell museum, and two-story Christmas shop, will welcome visitors for “Elves Day Out,” starting at 10:00am with an “Ugly Sweater 5K” run-walk.  

The event is being made possible through a continued partnership between Montgomery County Tourism and the Canajoharie-Palatine Bridge Chamber of Commerce. Special thanks to our sponsor the Montgomery County Jospeh P. Dwyer Program.

“Walking around Canajoharie really puts you in the holiday spirit,” said Montgomery County Executive Matthew Ossenfort. “It’s a feeling I always enjoy sharing with others and this event encourages people across our region to experience the magic of the Christmas season – right here in Montgomery County. Kids young and old, and those young at heart, will all find fun events and activities throughout Elves Day Out.”

Along with the 5K run and walk, “Elves Day Out” will feature musical performances, story time with Mrs. Claus, a scavenger hunt with stops at local businesses, Christmas craft vendors, a tree lighting and, of course, the ability for children to meet Santa and share their Christmas wishes. There will be additional activities for kids of all ages hosted by the Canajoharie Youth Center, and other local organizations.

New this year is a multilingual skit honoring the 200th Anniversary of Upstate New York native Clement Clarke Moore’s classic poem, Twas the Night Before Christmas! This will take place at the Van Alstyne Homestead at 1:30 p.m.

“I envision our little village becoming a Christmas season destination; something right out of a Norman Rockwell painting! I’ve always looked at Canajoharie as a hidden gem. It’s time to show our sparkle to the world and build this great event with the help of our friends at the County,” said Canajoharie-Palatine Bridge Chamber of Commerce President Janet Stanley.

Story time with Mrs. Claus will be held at the Canajoharie Library at 11 a.m.  and lunch with Elsa, Anna, and Olaf will be at 12 p.m.  and 1 p.m.  hosted by the Boiling Pot Eagles. Children will be able to visit with Santa 2 to 4 p.m.  A complete schedule of events and other details will be available on the “Elves Day Out” Facebook event, which can be found at https://bit.ly/ElvesDayOut2023. Additional activities will be announced going forward.

The Village of Canajoharie is located along the historic Mohawk River, at Exit 29 of the New York State Thruway, nestled between Albany and Syracuse.

Businesses wishing to be a sponsor or interested in being part of the event should contact the Chamber of Commerce by calling 518-673-0292 or the County by emailing tourism@co.montgomery.ny.us.

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