CHASE COUNTY — The Christmas season will officially kick off this weekend in Chase County with the annual Chase County Christmas.
A weekend full of events kicks off at 7 p.m. Friday in Strong City. The “Strong City Seasonal Express” is all about the children. Every child will receive a surprise with an additional special something for those who come in their pajamas. The conductor will lead the lighting of the caboose countdown followed by the drawing for the Fantastic Treasure of Toys sponsored by Valent Aerostructures. No purchase is necessary but the winner must be present to win.
Saturday will be packed with activities. The Twin Cities Lion’s Club biscuits and gravy breakfast will be available for $5 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Emma Chase Cafe in downtown Cottonwood Falls. The Fourth Annual Fabulous Fruitcake Toss will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Millstream Motel. Fruitcakes will be tossed across the river with a giant slingshot. The event is free.
Children can get creative at the Children’s Craft Workshop from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Chase County Historical Museum. Adults can get creative at the Pioneer Bluffs Open House from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. making a tin ornament or at the preview opening of Cabin Fever from 4 to 8 p.m. creating a make and take Christmas gift tag. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., there will be a remembrance ceremony and memory tree at the Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home.
The Tallgrass National Prairie Preserve will have individuals dressed in historic costume as they decorate the tree and read “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” from 12 to 4 p.m.
Chase County also will have plenty of opportunities for people to shop. Stores will be open and there also will be an arts and craft show at St. Anthony’s Hall in Strong City from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and a special “Meet the Artists” at Prairie PastTimes from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Cottonwood Falls.
There will be food available throughout the day was well. Among establishments offering food is The Gallery of Cottonwood Falls and Friendly D’s will be offering a special Christmas Veggie and Corn Muffins from 5 to 7 p.m.
The Holiday Homes Tour will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. The tour will showcase the 1886 Grace Lutheran Church in Strong City, the 1895 Elementary School in Elmdale and the 1880s Victorian home of Denise and Rich Ulrich in Cottonwood Falls, the contemporary ranch-style home of Berta Berkshire in Cottonwood Falls, the original 1870 Chase County Jail and Valent Aerostructures. There are six locations. Admission includes all six houses is $5 in advance, $8 on Nov. 27. Children under 6 are free. Tickets may be purchased at the Chase County Chamber of Commerce or at any of the homes of the tour.
Also Saturday there will be horse-drawn carriage rides, a PATH cookie decorating booth and cocoa before the lighting prelude of music and entertainment that will include local preschoolers, CCHS Voices, Grace Lutheran Church Chimes and the Sweet Adelines. Final bids also will be taken until 6:30 p.m. for the “Best of Chase County” silent auction baskets.
A lighted parade will be one of the final events and Santa will arrive. Santa will light the Chase County Courthouse and Cottonwood River bridge. At 7 p.m., he will visit with the children in the courthouse foyer in front of the spiral staircase. Children and parents enter through the back door where Santa’s helpers will guide visitors to Santa. Parents will have the opportunity to purchase professional photos of their children on Santa’s lap.
Immediately after the lighting ceremony, there will be caroling at the Emma Chase Cafe, Contra Dancing at Prairie PastTimes and the premier of “Christmas on Vine Street,” an seven-block one-way drive-through Christmas display. Enter at Second and Mulberry.
For more information on Chase County Christmas 2010, visit www.ChaseCountyChamber.org or call (620) 273-8469.