A Tradition Spanning Over 50 Years

Gabe Stark
The Trenton Telegraph

The scent of freshly baked cookies and the warm buzz of community spirit filled the downtown event space this weekend as the Hodge Presbyterian Church hosted its annual Cookie Walk, a tradition that has delighted locals for more than half a century.

Originally held at the Rock Barn every Saturday, the Cookie Walk began over 50 years ago before moving to the church, where it became a cherished part of the Hodge community’s holiday season. In recent years, the event has joined forces with the downtown Trenton Christmas celebration, bringing together the popular gingerbread house display and an irresistible array of homemade treats.

Cathy McKay, a member of Hodge Presbyterian Church for nearly 45 years, has seen the evolution of the Cookie Walk firsthand.

“We haven’t missed a year,” McKay said, recalling decades of baking, organizing, and ensuring the event’s success. “It’s just very traditional for us. Some of the same people who started making cookies 45 years ago are still baking, and new church members join in every year.”

The event is a true group effort. All church members are encouraged to contribute baked goods, resulting in tables overflowing with cookies, candies, and pastries—each with its own story.

“Different people traditionally bring different things. Some families have special recipes handed down through generations, like molasses cookies or strudels,” McKay said.

The funds raised from the Cookie Walk have long supported a variety of church initiatives, most notably youth activities. “We like to send our youth to summer camps and on group trips—like the annual journey to Branson for a Christian concert,” McKay said. “The Mariners, our church group, makes sure the youth stay involved in church activities. Sometimes the money goes into a general fund, ready to help when there’s a need.”

Despite the event’s long history, the Cookie Walk remains fresh, with bakers challenging themselves to try new recipes and bring something special each year. McKay recounted her own share of kitchen mishaps—batches of cookies gone awry or peanut butter balls that didn’t turn out quite right—but said the real joy is in the tradition and the opportunity to share with the community.

This year, the Cookie Walk’s location in the heart of Trenton’s holiday festivities allowed more people than ever to participate, browse gingerbread houses, and bring home delicious treats. With contributions from more than 30 church members and a rotating crew of 15-20 volunteers, the event continues to be a community affair.

As for the future? McKay says the plan is to keep the tradition going strong. “We just love the tradition of having the Cookie Walk,” she said, “and being a part of the Christmas fun in downtown Trenton.”

For many, the Hodge Cookie Walk is more than a fundraiser—it’s a testament to the power of community, the importance of tradition, and, of course, the joy of a really good cookie.