It took a couple of tries for the jolly old man in the red suit, hat and long white beard, but at 7 p.m. on Saturday Santa Claus lit up the Chase County Courthouse in Cottonwood Falls with Christmas lights to open the holiday season.
Poised at the detonator, Claus heard two countdowns before the lights went on. As the handle went down after the first countdown, the historic courthouse did not light. A countdown later, shiny white light emerged from the bulbs suspended outside the historic limestone structure and the Cottonwood River Bridge at the opposite end of the street.
Claus arrived at the courthouse via a convoy of Christmas decoration-laden vehicles leading his sleigh to the end of Broadway Street. After dismounting, he waited patiently in the cold, windy weather as the Flint Hills Harmony choir sang Christmas carols to the crowd.
Once the lighting was done, Claus’ day was not. In the courthouse foyer, Claus heard the gift wishes of a long line of children immediately following the lighting ceremony.
Ending the Saturday night celebration was the Victorian Christmas Ball in the Emma Chase Music Hall.
The Saturday night events concluded two days of activities that began Friday night in Strong City. Donned in their pajamas, children witnessed the lighting of the caboose off Cottonwood Street during the Strong City Seasonal Express. Following the lighting there was a drawing for the Fantastic Treasure of Toys.
Saturday morning began with a biscuits and gravy breakfast put on by the Twin Cities Lions Club and the fifth Annual Fabulous Fruitcake Toss at the Millstream Motel. During the fruitcake toss, competitors took turns launching fruitcakes over the river with a big slingshot.
Also on Saturday was a special presentation, “Chase County from the Ground Up,” by the Chase County Historical Society, featuring internationally known professor Tom Bridge, stonemason Lucas Koch and sculptor and stone carver Allan Tollakson. The presentation told the story of how the limestone buildings in Chase County were built.
Pioneer Bluffs, just north of Matfield Green, opened its doors to visitors with an open house. Among the activities were the chance to make a tin ornament with artist Ans Zoutenbier and hear music by Gary Gackstatter.
The 1857 homestead of William C. and Jane Shaft by Clements and for others near Cottonwood Falls, the 1897 Victorian home of Trey and Becky Hinkson, the 125-year old First Presbyterian Church and the 1890 Lark Inn guesthouses and 1920’s bungalow were featured in the Holiday Homes Tour on Saturday afternoon.
Just before the the parade and lighting ceremonies, holiday lovers had opportunities to ride a horse-drawn carriage and tour the courthouse.