FROSTBURG — Each year, the streets of Frostburg are transformed into a holiday celebration for the annual Storybook Holiday extravaganza.
This year marks the event’s 21st year of providing holiday cheer to children. Storybook Holiday, set for Dec. 7, is organized by the Frostburg State University Children’s Literature Centre. Sarah O’Neal serves as the Centre director.
When Frostburg State University professors, Barbara Ornstein and William Bingman, first conceived the idea they never imagined the event would grow and thrive for more than two decades. Now the event has become part of the holiday traditions for residents and visitors alike. Though it has grown and evolved, Storybook Holiday remains true to the vision of Bingman and Ornstein — an event centered around the community spirit of Frostburg and children’s literature,
Ornstein said the continued success of storybook Holiday has far exceeded her wildest dreams.
“Storybook Holiday was a vision of my colleague, Bill Bingman, and I for many years. We are both proud of its longevity, popularity, and the magic and joy that it brings to all involved. We will always be grateful to the people, planners, volunteers, and donors who will continue the magic for years to come,” Ornstein said.
Storybook Holiday 2024 will kick-off the day’s festivities with the annual “Breakfast with the Elves,” from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Hotel Gunter. Tickets must be purchased in advance at Hotel Gunter.
The highly anticipated Elf Olympics will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the parking lot on Broadway. Following the parade, Storybook Holiday elves are inviting guests to an exclusive Kids’ Elf Training Academy from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the parking lot at City Place.
Performers from the Mountain City Center for the Arts will kick-off the parade at 10:15 a.m. with a special performance in front of Hotel Gunter. The Pappas Family, owners of The Princess Restaurant, will serve as the grand marshals for the parade in honor of the restaurant’s 85th year in business.
Prior to the annual parade at 10 a.m., Coty Forno, owner and operator of Mountain City Center for the Arts, will be recognized as this year’s Hometown Hero. Forno is a tireless advocate and supporter of activities and events throughout the community, dedicating countless hours to sharing her belief that “anything is possible if you put your mind to it.”
The annual Storybook Holiday Parade is set to step-off at 10:30 a.m. The famous Jack Frost and his entourage will be leading the parade.
Run Your Bells off for Autism will also be taking to the streets at 10:30 a.m. A variety of craft vendors will be set up at Water Street.
Members of the Frostburg Police Department will be hosting “Cocoa with the Po Po,” at their headquarters on Broadway from 9 to 10 a.m. and again from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Frostburg Library is pleased to welcome the Tail Waggin’ Tutors for Storybook readings from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Visitors will have an opportunity to enjoy a leisurely horse-drawn carriage ride from noon to 2 p.m. at City Place.
City Place will open its doors for some “Elfin Fun” from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. These exciting activities will include Letters to Santa and Photos with an Elf, as well as crafts and a toy giveaway.
At 1 p.m., Storybook Holiday’s featured author, Beth Ferry will be sharing her best-selling book, “The Christmassy Cactus” at Hotel Gunter. Guests will enjoy cookie kits and have an opportunity to purchase a signed copy of Ferry’s book.
“Beth is no stranger to Frostburg in fact we will be giving her a special honor this year. She is the only author ever to have attended and been featured at all four of our CLC yearly events. She won our CLC Book Award honor in 2016 and has since came back to be a featured author at Pirates Ahoy, the Spring Festival of Children’s Literature, and now Storybook Holiday,” said O’Neal. “Beth has coined the term Quadfecta’ and said she has completed the ‘Quadfecta’ of CLC events! We will be honoring her throughout the Storybook Event.”
New this year is the involvement from the Community Center which is hosted by the HRDC senior groups. HRDC will welcome guests into a life-size winter wonderland at their 27 S. Water St. location. All children will also receive a goody bag.
Area businesses will be offering specials and craft stops throughout the day. P.S. Hair Design has once again transformed its shop facade into Santa’s House and the streets of Frostburg will feature the imaginative creations of residents for the third annual parking meter decorating contest.
The Neighborhood Snowball Toss with Jack Frost and his family will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. The Frosts will travel throughout the residential neighborhoods with the assistance of the Frostburg City Police and Frostburg Fire Department.
The annual Festival of Trees will be held at City Place from 6 to 7 p.m. and sources have reported that a very special and jolly guest may be making an appearance.
The Palace Theater will open its historic doors for a special viewing of “A White Christmas” at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at Main Street Books for pre-purchase.
“We try to add something new to Storybook Holiday every year. We continue to add more magic to the environment inside the center of — City Place —- as well as different craft choices in the ‘Elves Secret Workshop’,” said Ornstein. “This year, the horse drawn carriage rides return! We have expanded the ‘Elf Training Academy,’ where children receive a certificate after completing training in typical elf activities, including cookie tossing, package wrapping, and singing carols.
O’Neal said reasons for this community tradition continues to grow with each passing year are innumerable.
“There are so many pieces to the event such as the parade, Elf Olympics, Elves Secret Workshop, Letters to Santa, author presentation, Jack Frost Snowball Toss, the classic movie and much more. There is truly something for everyone no matter what their age! It really involves the whole town from the churches to the fire and police departments to local shops and many other groups. It brings everyone together to kick off the holiday season,” O’Neal said. “Storybook Holiday brings a sense of family and togetherness during the holiday season.”
In addition to the annual Sticker Stops at area businesses and restaurants, Storybook Holiday revelers are invited to participate in a new event — a Holiday Trivia Scavenger Hunt.
Visit Storybook Holiday’s Facebook page for more details and a schedule of all the activities and events planned for this year’s event can be found at www.facebook.com/clcfsu. The QR code will be displayed throughout the community and on the website to allow visitors access to the full schedule of events and activities.