Old Tyme Christmas takes over downtown Harpers Ferry

The town hosted a variety of events for the community over the weekend, including breakfast with Santa Claus, fresh kettle corn, horse and wagon rides, crafts, shops and performances at St. Peter’s Catholic Church.

The church itself is an important figure in the history of Harpers Ferry, according to Robin Barnes, one of the volunteers with the church.

Barnes said St. Peter’s, initially built in 1830, was the only church in Harpers Ferry to survive the Civil War. During the war, the Reverend Michael A. Costello reportedly saved it by nailing the British flag to the steeple. The Confederates thought of Britain as a potential ally and ceased fire on the building.

According to Barnes, St. Peter’s Catholic Church makes sense as the epicenter for Olde Tyme Christmas activities for multiple reasons. Barnes said the church is one of the only places where visitors and locals can gather in cold weather to enjoy festivities, as well as a place tied to the town’s unique history.

The Washington High School chamber choir was one of the groups ringing in the festivities at St. Peter’s on Sunday. The students were led by Ken Cooper, the choir director at Washington High School.

The group of 24 students began their performance with “Jesus Child.” The choir then sang a collection of traditional Christmas songs, like “Mary Did You Know” and “Carol of the Bells,” as well as a collection of secular Christmas songs, such as “Let it Snow” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

Once the students were finished performing at St. Peter’s, they braved the chilly winter weather to bring music to the doorsteps of locals by caroling around Harpers Ferry to prolong and enrich the age-old tradition.

The South Mountain Quartet and the Church Street Jazz Ensemble also made an appearance at St. Peter’s.

While visitors could enjoy performances at St. Peter’s to get out of the cold, they could also meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus on the streets outside of shops on Potomac and High streets. Local shops also offered many opportunities for Christmas shopping.

Shop owner Tara Dockman said Harpers Ferry has always celebrated the holiday season by celebrating its history with the Olde Tyme Christmas tradition.

“Harpers Ferry always seems so different to me,” Dockman said. “It’s something about this place. The Olde Tyme Christmas tradition has been around for a long time and it’s great to see everyone come out to appreciate Harpers Ferry.”

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