MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Christmas in Middletown is an annual, free community event sponsored by the Middletown Area Merchants Association and occurring on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 4 to 8 p.m.

The streets of Middletown are filled with neighbors and friends who greet you as you pass. Families turn out in multiple generations, rain or shine.

Organizations set up booths on the streets and indoors at the high school cafeteria to sell goodies and crafts or offer to gift wrap your purchases in order to support their good works.

Decorated merchant storefronts and business-sponsored, cut Christmas trees with ornaments created by area school children bring a festive feel to the town. The trees are later donated to local families in need through Spirit of the Season.

Santa Claus arrives on an old-fashioned fire truck to the Middletown Park where he helps with the tree lighting and carol singing at 5:15 p.m. Afterwards, he meets children from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and Mrs. Claus gives each a stuffed animal, courtesy of Hospice Services.

Nearby is a free hot chocolate bar and craft table for kids donated and run by the Middletown Seventh-day Adventist School.

The free Passport for Fun program encourages participants to visit member businesses to collect stamps in their passports for a chance to win a prize.

Individual businesses compete for “best decorated” storefront and they pass out their own refreshments to passersby. It’s a perfect small town event.

Find out more at the Middletown Area Merchant Association Web site at www.middletownareamerchants.com.