This year marks the 70th anniversary of the tradition of a downtown Christmas Tree in the community of Wakarusa. Everyone is welcome to celebrate this magical milestone, christened “A Small Town Noel, on Dec. 6 in the heart of downtown Wakarusa. The festivities begin with a parade at 5:45 p.m., followed by the official lighting of the tree at 6 p.m.
To commemorate this special day, a Christmas Market will be taking place at Doc’s Pavilion from 5-8 p.m., and on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Among the scheduled activities include an appearance by Santa Claus, a cookie walk, ornament making, hay rides and more.
Several downtown Wakarusa businesses are offering special holiday activities on Dec. 7 in anticipation for Christmas. The Wakarusa Public Library will be hosting “Breakfast with Santa” from 9-11 a.m., courtesy of the Tri Kappa organization. Children can also write letters to Santa at the Shortstop Inn from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. And over at the Wakarusa Dime Store, youngsters and adults alike can spend some time visiting with the Grinch from noon until 3 p.m. for a meet and greet.
In conjunction with the Wakarusa Tree Lighting Ceremony taking place on Dec. 6, the Town of Wakarusa is sponsoring a residential Christmas Light Contest. Decorate your house within the town limits of Wakarusa and be entered for a chance to win Wakarusa Chamber Bucks, which can be used to purchase goods in the Wakarusa community. Submit your address to the Town Clerk’s office by Dec. 4 to be entered into the drawing. Winners will be announced at the tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 6.
— The newly formed Euchre Club is still welcoming players every Saturday at the Shortstop Inn from 1-3 p.m. Enjoy a rousing afternoon of card playing, meeting new folks, reconnecting with old friends, and grabbing a bite to eat. There is a $10 buy in, and the tournaments are round robin, open to players of all ages.
— Did you know that the Wakarusa Public Library has an official post office site to mail letters to Santa Claus? Stop by the library, located at 124 N. Elkhart St., during regular business hours and compose your wish list for Santa from now until Dec. 7. All letter writing supplies will be provided by the library.
— Registration is ongoing for the annual “I Am Thankful Four” fundraising run. Runners and walkers can embark on either a two-mile or a four-mile journey on the morning of Nov. 28, beginning at 8 a.m. at NorthWood High School. This Thanksgiving tradition is open to people of all ages, with participants receiving a long-sleeved T-shirt upon registration. Beat the Turkey and win a prize! To register, visit https://runtheday.com/register/detail/I-am-thankful-four.
— Looking to refresh your home furnishings or decor for the holidays? Visit Larimer Furniture and make a purchase of $250 or more and be entered into a drawing to win a free hardwood dining table set. The giveaway continues until Nov. 29, with the winner chosen Nov. 30. The historic Larimer Furniture store is located at 113 W. Waterford St. in downtown Wakarusa.
— The Shortstop Inn will be presenting another concert showcase on the evening of Nov. 29. Jason Sapen will be performing live from 8-11 p.m. at the restaurant, located at 112 E. Waterford St. Seating will fill up quickly, so call 574-862-4639 to reserve a table.
— Fall leaf collection continues through Nov. 30. Residents are asked to arrange leaf piles next to the curb, and not into the street. There should be no grass clippings, limbs, rocks, or sod in the piles. East/west roads will be cleared on Mondays and Wednesdays, and north/south streets will be collected on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Amy Lant-Wenger is a correspondent for The Goshen News.