By Nancy Young
Enquirer contributor

WEST CHESTER TWP. - Organizers of the Olde West Chester Christmas Walk spent a recent evening creating more than 1,000 candle luminarias, using milk jugs donated by township residents.

Their work will line Cincinnati-Dayton Road this weekend for the 15th annual Olde West Chester Christmas Walk, which runs from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Sponsored by West Chester Township, the Merchants of Olde West Chester and seven township businesses, the Christmas Walk showcases local specialty shops dressed up in holiday finery.

Friday's festivities include a "Chill-eeee" chili dinner sponsored by St. John's Roman Catholic Church from 5-9 p.m., complete with a visit from Mrs. Claus. The Community Christmas tree lighting is at 7 p.m. in front of the police department on Cincinnati-Dayton Road. Residents may bring an ornament, with their name and the date, to hang on the tree. Bentwood Rockers, a local group known for its rendition of 1960s and '70s music, will perform after the tree lighting ceremony as part of West Chester Township's Fifth Third Bank Concert Series.

Saturday begins with the West Chester Presbyterian Church "Cookie Walk," followed by breakfast with Santa. Saturday's highlight is the parade, beginning at 7 p.m. at Union Elementary School.

"We call it an extravaganza of light, sound and imagination," says Victoria Alvarez, one of the Walk's organizers and owner of Victoria's Studio & Gallery. "The parade has grown from a handful of participants and spectators five years ago into an event that draws thousands."

Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy craft booths, activities in the children's tent, Union Elementary's Winterfest, photos with Santa and a petting zoo. There also will be live music in the evenings.

The Southeastern Butler County Chamber of Commerce is also opening its offices at 8945 Brookside Ave. to allow residents to select tags from its annual Giving Tree.

Kerry Murray, vice president of the chamber of commerce, said the tree benefits children of families served by Reach Out Lakota. Each of the 100 ornaments on the tree is matched with a needy child.

If you go

What: Olde West Chester Christmas Walk

When: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Where: Cincinnati-Dayton Road in Olde West Chester

Information: www.OldWestChesterOhio.com