Whoa! That was one heck of a good time weekend, as Schroon celebrated its 33rd Old Tyme Christmas. There was sooo much happening around town, so many smiles and so much to keep you busy, with or without your clothes on. That last comment refers to the 30 plus brave souls who took the Polar Plunge on Saturday at noon at the boat launch at Dock Street.

Just how cold was it? The folks from the Fire Department had to break up the ice to allow the plungers to plunge. Several emergency vehicles and personnel, including those standing in the water in waders, were there to make sure everything went safely.

There was a collective cheer as the plungers waddled or walked into the water. Some stayed for a few seconds, some a tad longer. Some dunked their whole bodies, others just up to their waists. Among those braving the 34 degree lake water was the Schroon Lake Chamber’s Nicole Howe.

“Coming out of the water was the worst,” Nicole told me.

The Chamber office was buzzing with activity all day with a monster bunch of goodies up for grabs in the annual Christmas raffle. Folks were at times shoulder to shoulder putting their tickets in the prize buckets.

New this year was a Silent Auction for five amazingly decorated trees. (One now stands in Chez Batson).

At the library, there were two Christmas Craft tables with cider and cookies. In the basement area crafters, honey and jam makers offered up unique stocking stuffers.

The Community Church featured a Grannies Attic Bazaar and luncheon. The Seagle Music Colony featured an ornament sale and there were free food samples at Pine Cone Mercantile. The Towne store featured a coloring table, as well as big discounts throughout the store. That sale continues through the New Year.

Dozens of locals and visitors gathered at the Town Tree Lighting ceremony at the corner of Main and Dock Streets. Glen Repko lead the revelers through several Christmas Carols, before marching up to the Community Church for more carols, excluding those that headed straight to the Timberwolf, for “communion.”

Next stop: the live nativity scene at our Lady of Lourdes catholic church. There was a warm snug baby as Jesus, who cried on queue during Silent Night, cradled in the arms of their mum or dad, playing Mary and Joseph. Cookies, coloring and hot chocolate warmed many at the Senior Center.

A spotted a large number of families -- one Grinch -- enjoying horse and carts rides in the Topps parking lot.

The largest crowds of the day turned up for the biggest draw of the day: the arrival of Santa in a Schroon Lake Fire Truck. There were almost a hundred in -line outside The Strand Theater, where once again Santa’s helpers Larry and Liz, welcomed Mr. and Mrs. Claus to their art deco wonderland.