By Tribune Staff
Barton and Pawnee counties are moving into high gear this weekend for the Christmas holiday. There’s something going each day through the weekend in the Golden Belt.
10th annual Christkindlemarket
In Ellinwood, the Christmas holiday begins with homage to St. Nicholas, owing to the community’s 1800s-era German heritage. Live music, an open fire pit, carriage rides and vendors with booths throughout downtown are part of this year’s program. Ellinwood businesses will be open from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4; there are raffle prizes to be purchased there for a drawing at 5:30 and a parade of lights, new this year, is tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m.
New this year is also the German Beer Garden at American Legion Post 117.
Ellinwood Director of Library Services Sheri Holmes notes that in addition to their raffle drawing at about 5:15 p.m., the library will host the Ellinwood High School KAYS Club, who will help children make gingerbread houses from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The activity takes about 30 minutes, Holmes said, and to ensure a 30-minute time slot for their children, she asks parents call the library by Thursday, Dec. 1. The event is open to youth of any age, who can register by calling the library at 620-564-2306 or the Ellinwood High School office at 620-564-3136. The library will also being showing Christmas movies, as well as having winter/Christmas scenes to choose from for a photo.
In Larned
The buildup leading to Saturday’s 102nd annual Christmas parade actually begins Thursday in Larned. Farmer’s Bank and Trust is hosting its holiday Coffee Hour at 9:30 a.m. Thursday. Then from 6:30-7 p.m., there’s “Merry & Bright Shopping” with treats and a tree lighting downtown.
On Saturday, Dec. 3, have breakfast with Santa Clause at Glory Be, 623 Broadway, from 8:30-10-30 a.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, children 3-12 are $5 and under 2 is free. Call the Chamber office at 620-285-6916 for more information. In the afternoon, there’s the Christmas Craft Fair at 502 Broadway from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hillside’s Holiday Fair at Fifth and State is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. as well.
The main event Saturday – the Parade – starts at 11 a.m. down Broadway. This year’s theme invites everyone to have a “Super(hero) Christmas.” All local veterans are invited to march behind the color guard at the beginning of the parade.
Also, the traditional “Kiddie Movie” which is “Rise of the Guardians,” is at 2 p.m. at the State Theatre.
