OELWEIN — ‘Tis the season for warmth, family and friends visiting, holiday gatherings and more. With the holiday season upon us, several local volunteers are taking time from their busy schedules to plan a memorable community event for the entire family — the annual Olde Tyme Christmas, to be held Friday, Dec. 3, from 4 until 8 p.m. in downtown Oelwein.
Persons who wish to enter any of the events listed here can call the OCAD office at 283-1105.
A craft show at the Community Plaza will get a head start on the event, opening Friday from 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Barb Wagner is chairperson.
The aroma of piping hot chili will be in the air with a chili cook-off sponsored by KOEL from 4 to 6 p.m., also at the Plaza. Persons are invited to sample the chili entrees for $1 per taste. If you are a great chili cook, call the OCAD office to enter.
Dee Brandt and Carol Tousley are chairs for the Festival of Trees to be located at the Mealey Hotel. Area businesses and organizations are invited to enter a themed tree for the display.
The Oelwein Celebration Committee will host the Santa pictures on Friday at the Rec Room. Extended Santa hours will also be 10 a.m. to noon Saturday in the Mealsite room at the Plaza. Santa will arrive at 4 p.m. Friday to be available for photos from 4:15 to 6:15 at the Rec Room. He will then be in the parade and return for more photos until 8 p.m.
The Grinch coronation will be held at the Plaza at 5:30 p.m. Candidates are Steve Bunn, Anna Kerns, Chet Reagan and Barb Winter. The winners of the Grinch poster contest for third graders will also be named.
The holiday parade of lights will take place at approximately 6:30 p.m.
Other events going on throughout the afternoon and evening will be horse-drawn carriage rides, kids’ crafts and Mr. Nick at 3 North Frederick, street musicians and carolers, Mrs. Claus reading to kids in the window at Buds ‘n Blossoms, and don’t forget the Chocolate Walk.
This new event involves 12 downtown businesses and a variety of chocolate treats. Persons who participate must visit all 12 on the walk, getting a small sample of goodies from each place and receiving a stamp or signature on their Chocolate Walk card. Once the card is filled with all 12 marks, it can be submitted in a drawing for $200 Oelwein Dollars.
Persons can enter the Chocolate Walk at the information booth, which will be set up at the Plaza lobby. A schedule of the evening’s events can also be picked up there.
To find out more about this year’s Olde Tyme Christmas on Friday, Dec. 4, persons can also check the list of events printed in this week’s Shoppers’ Reminder.