EATON — ‘Tis the season to be jolly… and more importantly, to give.
This weekend kicks off a month of holiday activities, ranging from toy drives and visits from Santa to tree lightings and craft shows.
Kids for Kids
The Christmas holiday will soon be upon us, and Santa needs a little help again this year.
The Register-Herald’s 13th Annual Kids for Kids Open House and Toy Drive aims to help make the jolly old elf’s job a little easier in tough economic times. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5, 1-3 p.m., in Santa’s Cabin, at Fort St. Clair in Eaton.
Bring a new toy to help Santa out.
Families can enjoy refreshments and children can have their photo taken with Santa. Make sure and bring your letter for Santa, or write one while you are visiting the cabin. Children will also be able to color their entries into the White Christmas Committee’s annual coloring contest, for a chance to win gift cards from area department stores.
All toys collected each year go to the Preble County Christmas for Kids Project, a community collaborative which serves Preble County families during the holiday season.
Over the course of the past 13 years, the Kids for Kids toy drive has collected nearly 11,000 toys for the initiative. Last year, over 800 were donated.
The Kids for Kids event was conceived as a “reverse” holiday tradition, allowing children to practice the art of giving in helping Santa help local families have Christmas toys under the tree each year.
Until Friday, toys can be dropped off at The Register-Herald office. Letters to Santa, to be published in a Wednesday, Dec. 23 special section, can be dropped of or mailed to Editor Eddie Mowen, 200 Eaton-Lewisburg Rd., Suite 105, Eaton, OH 45320.
Christmas In The Village & Craft Bazaar
The West Alexandria Celebration Committee will be hosting the 16th annual Christmas in the Village Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5 and 6.
On Saturday, Dec. 5, from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. visit the Third Street School Gymnasium, 45 N Main Street in the village, for the Holiday Craft Bazaar featuring many handmade crafts, baked goods, food and independent consultants. There will be hourly prize-drawings, food and entertainment.
The fun continues on Sunday, Dec. 6, from 4-7 p.m. where visitors can walk around to local businesses and sign up for door prizes and a grand prize. Stop by the Town Hall/Library and pick up a punch card. Visit every business that is open and have the card punched to be eligible for a grand cash prize. Punch cards are for adults only, but there are prizes for children as well.
The annual “Lighted Parade” starts at 5:30 p.m., welcoming Santa Claus to town. Children can visit with Santa at the Santa Villa from 5:30- 7 p.m. Anyone interested in being a part of the lighted Christmas parade is invited to join in at Twin Valley Schools parking lot at 4:30 p.m. Simply add some Christmas lights to a car, truck, trailer, bike, golf cart or anything else which can be adorned with lights. There will be a prize given for the best decorated unit in the parade..
Door prize drawings will take place at the Town Hall at 7 p.m.
Lewisburg lighting ceremony
Lewisburg welcomes Santa Claus at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6, at the Lewisburg Park across from the Community Center.
At 6 p.m. the park will be brightened by thousands of light in the annual “Lighting of the Park.” Hot chocolate and hot dogs will provide warmth and refreshment for visitors enjoying the glow of the lights.
ECS Craft Show/Music Festival
The Eaton Community Schools Christmas Craft Show and Music Festival to benefit Eaton Athletic and Band Boosters will be held on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5-6 in the Eaton Performing Arts Center. Hours on Saturday are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. There will be craft vendors, music,a bake sale, raffles, concessions and photos with Santa available.
