Old Jail plans family festival

By Melinda L. Lucas

Everyone is invited to join in traditional Italian Christmas activities at the Natale family festival at the Old Jail Art Center on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m.

“Buon Natale means ‘Merry Christmas’ in Italian,” explained educational coordinator Molly Merck. 

She invited visitors to enjoy traditional Italian sweets like pandoro, panettone, and hot chocolate during the event, which will be held in the Stasney Center for Education.

“Babbo Natale (Santa) is a little busy this time of year, but La Befana might make an appearance to tell her ancient tale and hand out cookies and treats,” said Merck.

Participants can make their way around the different tables manned by OJAC interns and volunteers to create Natale-inspired crafts, as well as play an Italian family game known as Tombola.

The Old Jail will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Dec. 24-25.

The museum will also close for New Year’s Day on Wednesday, Jan. 1.