Fairport Harbor hosting 2025 Harbor Holiday and a Day with the Grinch
Published by: The News-Herald
By Bill DeBus
Original article found here
The Grinch always creates a lot of excitement during his annual visit to Fairport Harbor Village.
This year, that occasion will take place Dec. 6 during the Harbor Holiday and a Day with the Grinch, which is organized and presented by the Fairport Harbor Heritage Foundation.
The community celebration, slated from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., includes shopping, which features sales at many stores in the village’s downtown; the chance to visit Who-Village in Finn Hollow Park at 301 High St.; dining; music; craft shows; raffles; and auctions.
Two of the major attractions are the Grinch’s reading of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” which he conducts from the top of the Fairport Harbor Lighthouse; and the lighting of the Christmas tree in Memorial Park.
Two trolley-limos will be running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the event this year. These vehicles will make it easy for visitors to check out the many holiday activities taking place at businesses, churches, clubs and nonprofit organizations throughout Fairport Harbor.
People also are likely to see the Grinch as he makes his rounds to village establishments and “steals” gifts for Toys for Tots.
Fairport Harbor Heritage Foundation President Pam Morse said the organization expects 2025 to be a stellar year for the Grinch to fill the Toys for Tots boxes at Fairport Harbor Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7554.
One traditional activity that won’t take place at the 2025 event is the Grinch’s visit to Fairport Harbor Public Library, where he would sign books and take photos with children. The library canceled that program because it’s preparing to leave its longtime building later this month and move to a location inside the new pre-K through 12th-grade school when it opens in January.
With the library appearance being called off, it’s anticipated that Grinch will spend an extra hour stealing gifts for Toys for Tots, Morse said.
Some of the scheduled activities at the 2025 Harbor Holiday and Day with a Grinch include:
• 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. — St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, located at 316 Fifth St., will hold a basket auction. The drawing will take place at 3 p.m.
Keepsake Grinch ornaments also will be sold for $5 each.
• 2 to 5 p.m. — Fairport Harbor Police Department, 220 Third St., invites visitors to drop for holiday treats and hot chocolate.
• 5 p.m. — A Who-Village character costume contest for children up to 12 years old will be held.
• 5:45 p.m. — The Grinch will read “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” from the top of the Fairport Harbor Lighthouse, based at Second and High streets.
• Following the reading at about 6 p.m. — People who listened to the story will proceed to Memorial Park, 301 Third St., for the village Christmas tree lighting and photos with Santa Claus and the Grinch.
Morse said she wanted to offer a sincere thanks to the event’s sponsors and volunteers, and visitors who attend annually.
“Please keep an eye out for the Grinch,” she said. “You never know when you’ll see him.”
Also on the morning of Dec. 6, a new activity will take place in conjunction with Harbor Holiday and a Day with the Grinch. The WhoVillage Holiday Dash is slated to start at 9 a.m.
This 2-mile timed race and family fun run and walk is presented by the nonprofit Fairport Harbor Opportunity Development Corporation.
The race begins and ends at Memorial Park, 301 Third St.
Race day check-in and day-of registrations will be conducted at the park from 8 to 8:45 a.m., and the dash begins at 9. Parking spaces for vehicles can be found throughout the village.
Other specific questions about the race can be asked by sending an email to holidaydash@fhodc.org.