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Washington Evening Journal
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Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Henry County to hold many holiday events
From viewing lights to eating tasty treats to visiting Santa, Henry County offers plenty of opportunities to capture holiday cheer
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
Festival of Trees
Every weekend starting Nov. 22 from 5-9 p.m. in the Union Block
This new event hosted by Main Street Mt. Pleasant will feature trees and wreaths decorated by businesses, organizations, families, and individuals which can be viewed by the public for a $5 entrance fee for individuals and $10 for families.
Following Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance’s Lighted Parade Dec. 5, the trees and wreathes will be sold in a live auction at approximately 8 p.m. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to EveryStep Hospice.
24th annual T.T.T. Tour of Homes
Sunday, Nov. 24 from 1-4 p.m. tour these five Mt. Pleasant homes decorated for the holidays:
Gary & Sheila Allender 1382 James Ave.
Connie Baker 716 Burky Lane
Dee Brooks 1404 Ashford Circle
Brad & Renee Gillis 706 E. Washington St.
Becky Wright 700 E. Harvest Drive
Tickets can be purchased for $15 in advance at Brown’s Shoe Fit or through T.T.T. member. They are also available for purchase the day of the tour at any of the homes for $20.
All proceeds from the Tour of Homes goes to T.T.T. Chapter DD of Mount Pleasant to help them carry out their mission to send deserving young girls to summer camp who might otherwise not have the opportunity to go and make a positive difference in their lives. They also provide scholarships for campers who go on to further their education after high school.
Turkey Trot 5K
The REC Center and Mt. Pleasant Kiwanis Club will host their annual Turkey Trot 5K Thursday, Nov. 28 with activities kicking off at 8 a.m.
Registration and activities will begin at 8 a.m. at The REC Center in Mt. Pleasant. The race will begin at 9 a.m. Those that register ahead at https://www.mpreccenter.com/programs/61/turkey-trot-5k can pick up their race-day packets either the day of the race or Wednesday, Nov. 27 between 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Registration is $20 and will include a race-day swag bag. Participants 12 years of age and under will not need to pay a registration fee and will be able to participate in all the activities and the run. They will not receive a T-shirt or swag bag. Youth wishing to receive the swag bags will need to register and pay the fee.
According to The REC Center, “A portion of the proceeds will go directly to the Kiwanis Club to support their mission of serving the children of our community so that one day, all children will wake up in communities that believe in them, nurture them and provide the support they need to thrive. The Rec Center will use the other portion of the proceeds to help with scholarships for membership, as well as offering new events and programs at the Rec Center.”
Thanksgiving Dinner
Thursday, Nov. 28 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Winfield Presbyterian Church
The Winfield Lions invite the public to this eat-in dinner which will include turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, salad, desert and beverage. Those wishing to attend must make a reservation by Wednesday, Nov. 20. Call Corriene Culver at (319) 330-6108 to do so. Carry out and delivery is possible for those in Winfield with registration.
Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, Nov. 30 from 6-10 a.m. at Olds Fire Department
Olds Fire Department would like to cook for you the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The department will offer dine and carry out breakfast for a freewill donation. All proceeds from the meal will go toward any additional costs or accessories associated with the department’s new grain rescue system obtained through a grant.
Small Business Saturday
Downtown Mt. Pleasant, Saturday, Nov. 30 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Main Street Mt. Pleasant encourages shoppers to visit local businesses on Small Business Saturday with drawings for prizes in downtown Mt. Pleasant every hour. Tickets for entry into the drawings can be obtained by spending $10 at a participating merchant. Receive a ticket for the hourly gift basket drawings from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. by showing a receipt for $50.
Early birds can win even more at Small Business Saturday in Mt. Pleasant as the first 25 people to bring $100 in receipts to Main Street Headquarters will receive a swag bag worth $300 and an extra ticket for the grand prize drawings.
Festival of Lights
The Festival of Lights will then open to normal vehicle traffic Nov. 27-Dec. 31 from 5:30-9 p.m. Those enjoying the Festival of Lights will travel a 1.6 mile route to view over 180, light holiday scenes.
With admission to the Festival of Lights patrons can stop by Santa’s House at the end of the tour Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 1, 6-8, 13-15, and 20-23 from 5:30-9 p.m.
Holiday on Main
Thursday, Dec. 5, Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Mt. Pleasant will come together to bring back the beloved tradition, Holiday on Main.
Dec. 5, at 5:15, Holiday on Main begins with this year’s “Christmas Traditions” themed parade featuring lighted floats kicking off at 5:15 p.m.
Whether a business has participated many years, or this is their first, the Chamber of Commerce welcomes entries from all over the Mt. Pleasant area.
Anyone wishing to participate in this tradition can contact the Chamber office for an application. Parade route is yet to be finalized.
Following the parade, downtown businesses will be open, there will be all kinds of fun activities on the square for the whole family from 6-7:30
Downtown Mt. Pleasant will fill with many activities and treats to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season such as carriage rides, fire roasted chestnuts, caroling, and cookie decorating will fill downtown Mt. Pleasant.
Let Your Littles Shop
Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. kindergarten through sixth grade children are invited to shop for Christmas gifts at New London Clark Elementary School cafeteria.
Donations from local businesses and individuals will fill the gym for littles to find something special for their special someone. Shoppers can purchase gifts ranging from 25 cents to $10.
Upon arrival, elves will greet children and their adults. They will help the children fill out how much money they plan to spend and who is on their shopping list. Then, the elves will assist the little shoppers as they explore. Once they’ve finished shopping, the elves will help the children wrap the gift to take home.
While the littles shop, parents and guardians are invited to enjoy free hot cocoa and purchase items from the bake sale. Donated items can be dropped off at New London VFW, Lorber Insurance, and New London Christian Church. Money raised from this year’s little shoppers event will go toward this year’s New London Christmas Family.
There still is time left to help with this event. Donate baked goods or holiday gifts by Dec. 2 at Lorber Insurance or Short Stop. Volunteer to help shoppers during a 10 a.m.-1 p.m. shift. For more information contact Chelsea Boecker by phone at (319) 931-6962 or email at ajlorberins@outlook.com
Christmas Market
Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Mt. Pleasant Christian School will host their annual Christmas Market.
The community is invited to get a jump-start on Christmas Saturday, Dec. 7 at Mt. Pleasant Christian School’s annual Christmas Market which includes a bake sale, breakfast and lunch concessions, door prizes and vendors with memorable gifts and unique crafts. All support Mt. Pleasant Christian School.
For more information about the Christmas Market call (319) 385-8613
Winfield Presbyterian Church Cookie and Candy Walk
From 8:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 Winfield Presbyterian Church will host a cookie and candy walk for those looking to get their fill of holiday goodies. A coffee shop will be available during this time.
Blue Violin Candlelight Christmas Dec. 8
The Heatilator Performing Arts Center in Mt. Pleasant will fill with a unique candlelit musical performance by Blue Violin Sunday, Dec. 8 from 7-8:30 p.m.
This year’s Blue Violin Christmas will feature a mesmerizing repertoire, including a reimagining of holiday favorites such as "The Little Drummer Boy," "Jingle Bells," and "Mary Did You Know."
Tickets can be purchased at https://blue-violin.com adults cost $30, youth 3-17 cost $15, or a family of four consisting of no more than two adults can purchase a family set for $80
Holiday Stroll
New London’s streets will fill with festive activities Saturday, Dec. 14 for the annual Holiday Stroll from 5-8 p.m.
The evening’s activities will begin with a parade at 5 p.m. with Celebration School of Dance leading Santa down Main Street. Following the parade, Main Street will feature a magical bubble show, characters handing out goodies, and a S’mores station with a fire pit.
The Community Building will offer $6 walking tacos, a caricature artist, face painting, free popcorn, Mimi the Clown, and a coloring contest. Businesses throughout town also will offer treats, deals, and things to do throughout the Holiday Stroll. To check out the latest list of all the participating businesses and activities visit the New London Annual Holiday Stroll Facebook event page which adds updates daily leading up to the event.
Light of the World
Mt. Pleasant Open Bible Church will host a “Light of the World” Cookie Walk from 8 a.m.-noon Proceeds from the event will go toward local, national, and international missions work.
Hollydaze
Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra will return to the Chapel Auditorium Saturday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. for a Hollydaze concert filled with joyous carols, heavenly choirs, and plenty of holiday cheer.
This program features traditional holiday songs and carols, music from holiday films and movies, and stirring new arrangements.
This concert is free and open to the public thanks to the support of Southeast Iowa Realty.
Middle School Winter Concert Dec. 16
Monday, Dec. 16, the Mt. Pleasant Middle School Music Department will present a concert at the beautiful Chapel Auditorium from 7-8:15 p.m. The concert will include performances from the middle school band, including jazz band, and vocal ensembles.
Lessons and Carols
Sunday, Dec. 22 Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church will host an afternoon service filled with choral works and Bible readings. Local choral members, accompanied by the church’s 1928 pipe organ, will sing carols and anthems to celebrate the season as this freewill event.
