By Emily Reed / Special to the Reporter

ALABASTER – Alabaster Fire Station No. 1 is once again opening its Christmas Village for young children to enjoy for the holidays.

The free village typically kicks off immediately following the Alabaster Christmas parade, but due to inclement weather canceling the parade, Alabaster Fire Chief Tim Love said the village opened once the weather cleared up.

“We had a bit of a change this year due to the parade being canceled, but we are up and running now,” Love said.

The Christmas village is located at the fire station off First Avenue West next to the Albert L. Scott Public Library.

The village is open to local kids and their families Monday-Thursday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., Fridays from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 9 p.m.

The village will be open until New Year’s Day.

All of the props featured in the village were handmade by firefighters, and Love said many of the props have been around for many years.

“Every year a different shift of firefighters is responsible for getting the village together and making sure all of the props are in good shape,” Love said. “If there is something that needs a coat of paint or a bit of sprucing up, that shift will take care of it to make sure everything is looking good. There have been times a new prop has been made, and it just keeps it fun for the community.”

Children can enjoy props that look like a helicopter, fire trucks, and other vehicles.

While there is no specific age limit, Love said the village is designed for younger children.

“Everything is smaller, wooden cars and trucks,” Love said. “It isn’t really designed for a teenager to come and use, but we do love seeing the little kids come out and enjoy it.”

Love said the department likes to provide events that foster a safe and family friendly environment.

While Love is not sure of the exact date the village first began, he said it has grown each year and become something people look forward to.

“It is nice to be able to offer something that allows the community to come out and participate,” Love said. “Parents can bring their little ones out and have a good time and we are happy to be able to offer it.”