It’s a big weekend for Christmas events

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Now that the turkey has been eaten and the Black Friday shopping is past it is time to turn our attention to other Christmas activities. It seems like the season gets busier every year, although this year the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is a bit shorter as Thanksgiving was as late in November as it can be.
The first Saturday in December always sees a flurry of activity as several Dodge County cities hold their annual Christmas events. This Saturday will see Olde Fashioned Christmas in Mantorville, as well as Christmas in Kasson, Christmas in Hayfield, and Christmas in West Concord.
Byron always celebrates Brrr Fest the second week in December and this year Dodge Center has also opted for a Dec. 14 event.
The proximity of Kasson and Mantorville means that many people go to both events and again this year there will be a trolley offering free transportation between the two cities. Watch for the trolley stops in both communities with pickup every 15 to 20 minutes.
Both Hayfield and West Concord are scheduling events all day and into the evening.
The Hayfield celebration gets under way with a bazaar by Field Crest Care Center at the Senior Center at 8 a.m. and ending with the Adult Ugly Sweater Contest at 10 p.m. at the American Legion/Pub.
Among the events planned during the day are Santa visits, a gaming trailer, ornament and cookie decorating, sleigh rides, a wine tasting/bake sale for Alzheimer’s, family bingo, a lighted parade and more.
West Concord get started with fresh homemade donuts from 7 to 11 a.m. and continues throughout the day ending with music by Main Street Entertainment from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Muni.
During the day activities include Toys for Tots collection, Coffee and Cocoa with the City Council, Festival of Trees, Christmas llamas, children’s vision checks, Santa visit, craft activities, a silent auction, dancing with Mrs. Claus, and a Christmas program featuring a tree lighting, bell ringing, candle lighting and a live Nativity.
From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. there will be a free Christmas supper featuring spaghetti, French bread, salad, cookie and beverages.
All and all, it is looking like a great day to get out and enjoy your community.
And of course, the holiday activities continue up until Christmas with school concerts, church events and much more.