Holiday Festivities Set For Chase County Country Christmas

Special holiday festivities are fashioned for all at the Chase County Country Christmas.

“The Chase County Chamber of Commerce hosts this holiday season celebration November 29 and 30,” announced Toni Schneider, Chamber director.

“Once again the Chamber is pleased to feature the Shop Small Business Saturday on November 30,” Schneider said. “We invite everyone to show support for the local small business community while enjoying the Country Christmas events.”

 Celebration begins Friday evening, Nov. 29, at the Strong City Antique Caboose. The Kid’s Night Before Christmas Outing roasting hot dogs and marshmallows while sipping cocoa around a campfire begins at 5:30.  

“They’ll watch lighting of the caboose and then head to the 1900 Theater for popcorn, movies and toys,” Schneider promised.

Each child 10 and under will receive a gift with a drawing for a larger gift provided by LMI Aerospace. The evening’s events are sponsored by the Strong City Preservation Alliance.

“November is a special month so Cottonwood Falls’ Prairie Pastimes is hosting Special Fifth Friday Music Night,” Schneider said.

Appropriately themed “Grateful” music is to be performed by the Emma Chase Friday Night musicians starting at 7:30. “Bring your instrument and join them,” welcomed Schneider.

An early start Saturday, Nov. 30, features breakfast at Strong City’s Chuck Wagon Café at 7 o’clock.

Keller Feed & Wine in Cottonwood Falls plans an “Elf” movie-themed pancake buffet benefitting the high school theater department.

“Gift shopping has never been better,” Schneider insisted. “You’ll find the perfect gift for that special someone who has just been impossible to buy for in the past.”

The Strong City Arts and Crafts Fair with 25 vendors is at St. Anthony’s Hall.

Ad Astra Food & Drink, Clark Farm & Home, Flint Hills One Stop, Jacalito Mexican Restaurant, Reyer’s Feed Store, Subway, The Chuck Wagon, and The Liquor Maze are to be open in Strong City.

Additional Chase County businesses with holiday features include Elmdale Trading Post, Flint Hills Gallery, Metamorphosis Day Spa, Prairie Wheel Pottery, Tallgrass Antiques, Symphony in the Flint Hills Gift Shop, Vintage Bulldog, and other art galleries.

The Prairie Past Times Christmas Open House at Cottonwood Falls is to feature Ellen Rohl showcasing her enamel jewelry. “Other artists will also present their talented works along with music and refreshments throughout the day.” Schneider verified.

A silent auction event will be in Cottonwood Falls Collectibles. There’ll be bidding for overnight accommodation packages, gift certificates, artwork, special restaurant offerings and more. “Creative auction baskets offer uniquely fun and fantastic gift options,” Schneider declared.

While the “older folks” are supporting Small Business Saturday, there’ll be children’s arts and crafts at the Strong City Depot. Cookie decorating is hosted by the Strong City Council and face painting will be coordinated through the Emporia Art Mobile.

The Strong City Preservation Alliances is sponsoring these activities with assistance from the school KAY organization.

Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home of Cottonwood Falls will host a remembrance service and Memory Tree in the chapel Saturday at 10:30. “Honor your loved one with a special ornament and take a moment to reflect on Christmas memories,” Schneider encouraged.

Ugly Sweater Bingo will be during the noon hours at Keller Feed & Wine. “Wear your best lucky ugly sweater and play for fabulous prizes provided by Griffin Real Estate and Auction,” Schneider invited.

The Holiday Home Tour is a Saturday afternoon highlight. “Wonderful homes and guest houses will be featured,” Schneider pointed out. Included are Cherry On Top Guest Suite, Paw Print Cabin, Prairie Pearl Loft and the Slaight home.

A Good Old Fashioned Christmas features a ranch visit as historic characters prepare a holiday party among family and friends. Starting at noon activities are at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve north of Strong City.

“There’ll be wagon rides, kid’s crafts, live historic music and carols,” Schneider said. “Cowboys will tell stories about ‘Santa sightings’ to the children who will receive candy canes and light refreshments.”  

The historic courthouse will have Mrs. Frances (Towle) Alexander as a special guest tour guide. She is the daughter of a former Chase County Sheriff who resided in the sheriff’s quarters at the courthouse.

Children can pet one of Cowboy Santa’s reindeer on the courthouse lawn at 3 o’clock, followed by personal Santa visits. 

Lighting of the courthouse and historic river bridge aided by Santa’s Christmas Magic is at 7 o’clock.  All have been welcomed to participate or just watch the parade as Santa heads back to the North Pole.

 “Everyone’s then invited to gather around the Christmas tree at the river bridge for hot cocoa,” Schneider said.

The Country Christmas Contra Dance a kid friendly event of the Flint Hills Victorian Dance Society is at Swope Park.

“We look forward to seeing everybody at the Chase County Country Christmas November 29 and 30,” Schneider exclaimed.

Details can be found at www.ChaseCountyChamber.org as well as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat Geofilter the day of the event.