Tree lighting ceremony added to Monday’s Country Christmas
The lights are up, store shelves are stocked, and Country Christmas will officially usher in the holiday season in downtown Holyoke on Monday evening, Dec. 6.
“A Whoville Christmas” is the theme of this year’s event, which is coordinated by Holyoke Chamber of Commerce.
Residents won’t want to miss the community Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 6:15 p.m. in front of Phillips County Court House with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This is a new event for this year’s Country Christmas, and the idea is that the tree will symbolize the hope, determination and togetherness that Holyoke represents. Local businesses can submit ornaments for the tree at the chamber office by Friday, Dec. 3.
A highlight of the evening will be the Parade of Lights on Interocean Avenue at 6:30 p.m. The parade is sponsored by Highline Electric Association and CHS Grainland, and entry forms are due this Friday.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos from 4-6 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. at Phillips County Museum. Freewill donations will be collected.
At 4:30 p.m., the Peerless Theatre is offering a free kids movie, “The Grinch,” with concessions for sale throughout the evening.
Holyoke Volunteer Fire Department’s traditional soup supper will be served from 5-8 p.m. at the Vets Hall, and freewill donations are appreciated.
Other exciting Country Christmas happenings include First Baptist Church’s hayrides at the Home Store parking lot from 4-7 p.m. and hot chocolate in front of Strandz Salon from 5-8 p.m., home-based businesses set up at the Peerless from 5-8 p.m., Lions Club’s popcorn and outdoor heaters at the mini park, and specials and giveaways at many local merchants throughout the day and evening.
While downtown, don’t forget to check out the businesses that participated in this year’s window decorating contest. The chamber’s deadline to enter the contest is this Friday.
New to Country Christmas is a Christmas Passport Contest. Stop by the chamber office, 118 N. Interocean Ave., Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m., to pick up a passport.
Anytime through Dec. 6, participants can journey around Holyoke to collect passport stamps. Each stamp is worth one entry, and those who collect all of the stamps will get 50 bonus entries. Passports must be returned to the chamber’s dropbox by 9 p.m. Monday. Two lucky participants will each win a $100 Chamber Bucks gift certificate to use this holiday season.