A classic Ridgway holiday tradition is back this weekend

RIDGWAY- Jack Cleaver’s Christmas Village is returning and open to the public this holiday season once again after a successful turnout last year.

Cleaver has had his village setup since the mid 1980s and is always adding to his display, even though the tables in his basement are packed with items.

Some of the diverse collections in Cleaver’s display scenery include various notable sights of New York City, such as the Empire State building and various skyscrapers. Visitors can be entertained by a zoo setting or watching the ferris wheel or the horse carousel at the carnival.

Of course, there are classic Christmas visuals and his vast train display to round things out. “This has become the highlight of my Christmas season to do this for the Ridgway community,” Cleaver said. If someone is a first-time viewer of the village, Cleaver likes to point out certain items to find within it, including the Grinch and Bigfoot.

One of the new added items is a winter-themed super shot ride inside the carnival portion of the village. Through the years, Cleaver has had visitors suggest to him to add new pieces to the village, and he keeps finding a way to fit those new additions in.

On the surface, it seems as if the upkeep would be a challenge, but Cleaver shared that it's not as bad as one may think.

Cleaver will be hosting the public at his home on 1507 Front

Street in Ridgway on December 3, 4, 11, and 12, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Donations generated from each of the open viewing days will benefit the Ridgway Parks and Revitalization project.