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Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Henry County holds many opportunities to celebrate the holidays
Those around Henry County will find plenty of activities to mark the holiday season this year.
Events throughout the county will offer opportunities for holiday meals, shopping, and events that keep the magic of the season alive.
Festival of Lights
The annual Festival of Lights opened in Mt. Pleasant on the Old Threshers grounds Nov. 22 and will remain open daily from 5:30-9 p.m. through Dec. 31.
A Family vehicle can enjoy the large light show for $10, a Limo will cost $25, a Mini Coach $30, and Motor Coach $60.
Admission includes meeting Santa Nov. 24-26 and Dec. 1-3, 8-10, and 15-23 at his house at the end of the show.
Turkey Trot
The REC Center will host their third annual Turkey Trot family friendly 5k/1 Mile Run and Walk on Wednesday, Nov 22.
“Run like a Beast before you Feast,” the REC Center encourages potential runners.
Registration begins at 8 a.m. along with games, activities, inflatables and refreshments. Run/walk begins at 9 a.m. at the REC Center.
Registration for this even costs is $20.
Mt. Pleasant Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Those in the Mt. Pleasant area can enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner with all the traditional fixings Nov. 23 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church.
According to event organizers, “This dinner is sponsored by various church members in the area. Donations are sponsored by most faith based groups in the area. Wayland State Bank and KILJ sponsors the pies which are baked by individuals in Mt. pleasant and surrounding communities.”
They also offer dinner deliveries to “..those who are ‘shut in.’” Meals may be picked up at the church by prior arrangement.
Pleas call Ruth Ann at 931-2287 to let her know you plan to attend in person, you need a meal delivered or you will pick up a meal.
Reservations are not required, though, appreciated.
Winfield Lions Club Dinner
Lions will serve a free-will offering dinner on Thanksgiving from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church. Dinner will include turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, jello salad and dessert.
12th Annual New London Community Thanksgiving
Community members Annie and Marcus Powell will once again host their annual Community Thanksgiving on Thanksgiving Day from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Clark Elementary.
This free meal will include all the fixings of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner thanks to the generosity of the Powells and New London Community. Donations are accepted day of and through Venmo @newlondonthanksgiving
When the Powell’s first saw a need, especially for the elderly in their community, to receive a meal on Thanksgiving, they didn’t hesitate to jump in and serve.
They have continued with that generous spirit for more than a decade and are appreciative of the way the community hasn’t hesitated to come alongside them with donations of money and time to continue to make this tradition possible.
Annie asks that that those in need of delivery schedule ahead via call or test to (319) 457-0110 by Wednesday, Nov 22 at 3 p.m.
“Memoirs of an Evergreen” Virtual Auction
Addington Place of Mt. Pleasant will host their fifth annual Festival of Trees for Alzheimer Nov. 25.
This will feature wreath and tree displays brought to you by local businesses and talents in the area.
Pieces from the displays will then be auctioned off virtually on Facebook and all proceeds will benefit Alzheimer’s association.
Small Business Saturday
Main Street Mt. Pleasant encourages the public to shop local on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 25 in preparation for the holiday season.
Let Your Little Christmas Shop
Saturday, Dec. 2 New London’s Holiday Stroll Committee will offer a shopping event for elementary students in kindergarten-sixth grade to do some holiday shopping.
From 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Clark Elementary, littles can bring up to $20 to spend on gifts ranging from $1-$5 for their loved ones this holiday season.
When arriving at Santa’s workshop, shoppers will be greeted by elves ready to help students fill out how much money they plan to spend and who is on their shopping list. Then Santa’s helpers will take it from there.
They will lead students around the shopping area of Santa’s Workshop while the adults enjoy free hot cocoa or purchase items from the bake sale.
All proceeds from this event will go toward the Holiday Stroll Committee’s Christmas Family.
Community members wishing to help with this event can do so by baking goodies for the bake sale, donating holiday items, or volunteering to help shoppers. Shifts for volunteers are from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Donated items must be received by Nov. 27
For additional information reach out to a Holiday Stroll Committee member:
Linda Vaeck 563 212-0950
Dana Boles 319 217-9100
Chelsea Boecker 319 931-6962
Kids’ Christmas Shopping Event
Mt. Pleasant Community Parent Teachers’ Association will host their annual Kids' Christmas Shopping Event on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Mt. Pleasant Middle School.
This Mt. Pleasant shopping event welcomes kids in preschool-fifth grade Mt. Pleasant students to shop some fun gifts for their families.
Gifts will range from $1-$12 with a total of $50 allowed for each student.
While the kiddos are shopping, adults can purchase baked goods.
North Pole Express
The North Pole Express returns to Mt. Pleasant to offer magical train rides to visit Santa at the North Pole Dec. 2-3, 9-10. 16-17
For $25 per person over 18 months old travelers will begin their journeys at the Midwest Central Railroads Hillsboro Station located on the north end of the Midwest Old Threshers Grounds.
Trains will depart on Saturdays at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., and Sundays at11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Once the train arrives at the North Pole, guests will be greeted by Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Magical Snow Princess and the rest of Santa’s elves.
The North Pole will offer activities such as the Christmas Craft Room, Santa’s toy trains, Mrs. Claus’s Cookie Coco Factory and more.
Dress warmly for this magical experience as the coaches are not heated.
Mt. Pleasant Christian School Christmas Market
Mt. Pleasant Christian school will offer an opportunity to find unique holiday gifts with their annual Christmas Market Dec. 2 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. concessions from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the school.
Holiday on Main
Holiday on Main hosted by Main Street Mt. Pleasant and the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce Alliance will host the much anticipated Holiday on Main event Dec. 7.
The festivities will start off with the Lighted Holiday Parade at 5:15 p.m. with a Christmas Song theme.
Those wishing to make an entry into the parade must be submitted by Dec. 4 to 124 South Main Street or by email to info@mpiowa.org. Santas are not allowed to participate in the parade.
Santa will be present at the Holiday on Main festivities, though. His home will be open from 6-7:30 p.m.
The evening will also include horse and carriage rides, roasted chestnuts, a s’mores station, story time with Mrs. Claus, appearances from the Grinch and Cindy Loo Who, photo opportunities, cookie decorating, “and much more.”
New London Holiday Stroll
Dec. 9 from 5-8 p.m.
A parade will kick off New London’s Holiday Stroll Dec. 9 as Santa makes his way down Main Street to Tiger Auto with the help of Aria Lane and Celebration School of Dancers at 5 p.m.
Santa will welcome visitors to his workshop until 7 p.m. located next to Kriegers Appliance Services Sales.
From 5-8 p.m. activities will fill downtown New London celebrating the holiday season.
Attendees will find walking tacos, face painting, and other activities at the community building.
Other food opportunities will include free hot dogs and hot chocolate at Jet stop and hot chicken sandwiches for a free-will donation at Dover Museum.
Delovely’s Mini Donuts will also be around at the vendor craft show at Bretch Auto throughout the evening.
Main Street will offer an ice carver, a treasure hunt, and an open fire for s’mores.
Guitar Farm and Grow n Glow will add to the festive feel of the evening with live window displays.
Aria Lane will build on that festive spirit as she performs live Christmas music at the library and as a magician entertains in the library basement.
The Holiday Stroll will also include horse drawn carriage rides beginning at K&M Auto parking lot.
The fire station will offer a petting zoo and cookie decorating during the event.
Danville State Savings Bank will host a cakewalk for $0.25 with prize drawings.
Many other activities will fill downtown New London throughout the event.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Cocktail Hustle
Main Street will host an Ugly Christmas Sweater Cocktail Hustle Dec. 14.
The stroll will take participants through downtown as they sample holiday cocktails and find unique, local, one-of-a-kind gifts for their loved ones.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com
