Middleport Community Choir performing Christmas concert this Saturday

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Ric Jones of Medina leads the Middleport Community Choir in rehearsal for a previous concert. Their annual Christmas show this year will be a cantata titled “The Wonder of Christmas,” at 4 p.m. Saturday at Middleport United Methodist Church.

Middleport planning several activities, including tree-lighting

MIDDLEPORT – The Middleport Community Choir’s annual Christmas concert this year will take place on Saturday in conjunction with the Village of Middleport’s “Light up Park Avenue.”

The choir, under the direction of Medina resident Ric Jones, will present a cantata this year titled “The Wonder of Christmas,” and will include the Bell Tones, directed by Debby Clark, who is also accompanist for the choir. The performance will start at 4 p.m. at the Middleport United Methodist Church.

The Middleport Community Choir has a long history of performing cantatas, Jones said.

“It has been a number of years since we prepared one for the holiday season, so this felt like the right time to perform one,” Jones said. “What I like about this cantata is that every single song is a recognizable Christmas song; each a unique arrangement, but never stepping away from the original tune.”

Included in the performance will be an audience sing-along.

“This concert is the perfect fit for the small-town ‘Hallmark Christmas’ atmosphere of the day,” Jones said.

The Middleport Community Choir members come from throughout the area, including Orleans and Niagara counties. Seven original members of the choir are still singing with them.

“We are blessed to add new members over the years while still being tied to the beginning of this wonderful group,” Jones said.

There is no charge for admission, but a free-will offering will be taken. Refreshments will follow in the Fellowship Hall.

Concert-goers are invited to come early or stay late and enjoy Middleport’s annual Christmas activities and tree lighting event. Festivities begin at 2:30 p.m. in the village park on Park Avenue (across from the church) and include holiday a visit with Santa, games and crafts, raffles, meet the Grinch and wagon rides. Activities in the Roy-Hart School gym include music by Roy-Hart students, games and crafts.

The tree lighting at 6 p.m. on Park Avenue will be followed by cookies and cocoa.