The Christmas season hits high gear this week with activities in store for folks of all ages.
Santa Claus will make several appearances in Allen County, including his first arrival at his temporary quarters at the southeast corner of Iola?s courthouse square from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday.
The visit, sponsored by the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce, will have a special guest Thursday ? one of his reindeer.
In addition, the Fearless Fred Trolley will give free rides, courtesy of Personal Service Insurance, to check out elaborate holiday decorations set up around Iola.
The Iola Kiwanis train will give rides to youngsters as well.
Santa will return to the square from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 12 and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 14.
Trolley rides will be offered once again during Santa?s Dec. 12 visit.
JOLLY OLD St. Nick will greet youngsters in LaHarpe from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at LaHarpe City Hall, to go with a number of other special activities.
Cookie decorating and coloring stations will be set up. LaHarpe PRIDE members will give out winter hats and gloves and toothbrushes, too.
COLONY gets into the Santa fun with its annual Christmas Parade Saturday evening.
A chili and soup supper fundraiser, sponsored by the Crest High School After-Prom Committee, runs from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by the parade line-up at 6 o?clock.
A tree lighting ceremony, dubbed ?Our Community Cares,? follows at 6:15.
The 6:30 parade will travel along Borad Street to the GSSB Colony Branch, where Santa will set up station to greet youngsters.
Braylon Johnson, left, and Maycie Johnson pose for a picture at Iola?s 2018 Downtown Block Party.
ADULTS hoping to get in some Christmas shopping this week will have several opportunities to support local merchants simultaneously.
