photo by Bob Guliani
By Pat Maurer
Correspondent
Christmas festivities are gearing up all over Clare County December 9th with lighted parades, Santa, Craft Shows and much, much more to see and do throughout the area.
Clare:
The fun begins in Clare with a Holiday Craft Show December 9th at the Clare Union Railroad Depot from 10 am to 2 pm. The event is sure to be a great show.
Santa will be escorted through town by the Clare Fire Department to his Santa House in front of the Depot. Santa will be in Clare from 10 am to 2 pm then he will travel to Farwell for their Christmas festivities there. Santa will be in Clare from 10 am to 2 pm then he will travel to Farwell for their Christmas festivities there. His reindeer will also be at the depot and there will be firepits to keep warm outside, and hot chocolate and doughnuts (from Cops and Doughnuts) inside the depot.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be at the VFW in Clare on December 9th from 10:00am till 3:00pm. His visit will include crafts, hot cocoa and cookies. It will be a memorable time for all.
Farwell:
You won’t want to miss “Grinchmas” in Farwell December 9th where you can party at the Market (124 West Illinois Street); see the Lighted Parade come through town on Main Street; attend the Tree Lighting; check out the décor contests and more!
Santa will be on hand and ready for pictures at the Christmas Party at the Market from 3 to 5 pm. The party will include crafts, games and snacks. At the Farmers Market, the Cry Baby Burger Contest (The Patty Wagon) will begin at 4:30 pm.
Back outside, Horse and Carriage Rides will take place from 4 to 6 pm.; The Lighted Parade begins at 6 pm; the Tree Lighting and Awards Ceremony is after the parade at 6:30 pm; and don’t forget to vote for your favorite Christmas Tree for Charity all day long at the Veterans Memorial on Main Street. This is a new event. Four council members teamed up to decorate two trees, which will be placed out in front of the Veteran’s Memorial for visitors to vote on. Money (donations) will go in the box in front of the tree of your choice and the tree with the most money will win and all of the donated money will go to their charity.
Sponsors include Rod and Shirley Bessert; County Wide Septic; Pro-Tech Cabling Systems, Inc.; Jays Sporting Goods; Kyles MFG; Jaynie Hoerauf; VFW Post 3039; Horizon Tree Service; Meijer; Farwell Family Dentistry; and Stephenson Wyman Funeral Home.
Harrison:
A Country Christmas Celebration is Harrison Fire Department’s theme for Harrison’s Lighted Christmas Parade December 9th. Come and see Santa, Mrs. Clause and some of their special elves.
The parade line-up is at 5 pm at the fairgrounds and the Lighted Parade begins at 6 pm. There will be a trophy for the best decorated and one for the most lights.
The event, located in Downtown Harrison and the City Market, will include a bonfire, hot chocolate and FREE gift bags for all of the Kids!