RISON – With the Holidays rapidly approaching, local organizations and businesses are prepping Christmas events around the county.
Christmas in the Village
The Pioneer Village will host its annual Christmas in the Village Festival is set for Saturday, Dec. 7, at the historic village property in Rison.
Organizers are currently accepting vendors for the Holiday Market.
The day will include the following activities:
Holiday Market
The Christmas Village Market will host vendors from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the festival. Vendors expected include Christmas decor, crafts, candy, baked goods and more.
For anyone interested in being a vendor, contact Sharon Gray at (870) 692-3130.
Breakfast with Santa
The festival will kick off at 8 a.m. with Breakfast with Santa through 10 a.m.
There is a $5 charge for breakfast, which includes pancakes, sausage and juice.
Gingerbread Workshop & Contest
The Call in Cleveland County, a organization that supports foster children and adoption, and the Cleveland County Herald will once again be sponsoring the Christmas in the Village Gingerbread House decoration workshop and contest from 10 to 11 a.m.
This years workshop and contest will include two divisions: ages 12 and under; and ages 13 to 18. Judging will take place at the conclusion of the workshop. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each division: $40 for first place, $25 for second and $15 for third.
The cost for the workshop is $10 per family. Lisa Prescott, organizer of the workshop, asked that those interested in participating can text 4144 with the message “Clevelandgives” to pay.
Prescott also asked that those who plan to attend the workshop text the names of those participating to (870) 818-3040 to assure there will be enough houses.
Cleveland County Cares Christmas Bingo
Cleveland County Cares will host a special game of Christmas Bingo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., or until prizes run out during Christmas in the Village.
Melinda McKnight, organizer of the Cleveland County Care Fund said they have some of the best prizes they have had in the history of the event, ranging from homemade baked goods and handmade crafts to gift certificates, gift cards and more.
McKnight said some prizes include items from Bumper to Bumper, Rison Pharmacy and more, including local restaurants.
Christmas Bingo is open to all ages. There is a $1 charge per game. All proceeds go to the Cleveland County Care Fund to provide clothes and Christmas presents for local families in need.
Holiday Photos
Douglas Boultinghouse of Douglas B Design Graphic Design and Photography is providing holiday photo sessions from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7.
To book a session, call (870) 510-2433 or see Douglas B Design on Facebook.
A portion of each session fee will be donated to the Pioneer Village and Cleveland County Cares.
Concessions
The Pioneer Village will sell hamburgers and hot dogs for lunch during the festival.
Drive-Thru Lights
In the days after the festival, the Village will also open its drive-thru light display on select nights beginning Thursday, Dec. 12 following Rison Shine’s Cleveland County Christmas Parade.
Additional dates are Dec. 13, 14, 20 and 21.
The Dec. 20 date will coincide with The Village and Rison Shine’s Food Truck Friday event.
Cleveland County Christmas Parade
Rison Shine Community Development is seeking floats for its annual Cleveland County Christmas Parade set for Thursday, Dec. 12 in downtown Rison, beginning at 7 p.m.
Following the success of last year’s parade with over 40 participants, organizers are looking to recapture that magic.
“We encourage local school classes, churches, businesses and other groups to put together a float for the parade,” said Rison Shine President Celeste Beatty.
Kids can join in the fun too!Kids of all ages are invited to decorate their bicycles to ride in the special section of the parade. Kids under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Gateway Bank will sponsor prizes for the best floats and bikes. Prize amounts and other details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Floats will gather at the gate of the Pioneer Village around 6:40 p.m. and make their way through the Green House Cottages of Southern Hills before heading north on Main Street.
Following the parade, guests are encouraged to visit the Pioneer Village for the drive-thru Christmas light display.
For more information, call (870) 325-6412.
Christmas in New Edinburg
The New Edinburg Community Center will host Santa Claus for two nights this December, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 and 21.
Re-New-ing Edinburg will provide cookies, hot cocoa, and a special gift for attendees.
There are also new additions to the Christmas decorations at the Community Center.
Christmas in Kingsland
Kickstart Kingland is planning Christmas events. An announcement is forthcoming.